Use this letter when your landlord has returned only a partial deposit without explanation, or has failed to provide any accounting of deductions within the time required by state law. Most states require landlords to deliver a written, itemized list of deductions — not just withhold money without explanation. This letter is often a precursor to a formal dispute or small claims action.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [CITY_STATE_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY_STATE_ZIP] Re: Demand for Itemized Security Deposit Statement Rental Property: [PROPERTY_ADDRESS] Lease Dates: [LEASE_START_DATE] through [LEASE_END_DATE] Security Deposit Paid: $[DEPOSIT_AMOUNT] Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I am writing to formally request an itemized statement of any deductions made from my security deposit of $[DEPOSIT_AMOUNT], paid at the commencement of my tenancy at the above-referenced property. I vacated the premises on [MOVE_OUT_DATE] and returned all keys on that date. As of today, [DAYS_ELAPSED] days have passed since my move-out. Under [STATE] law, landlords are required to provide tenants with a written, itemized statement of all deductions within [DEADLINE_DAYS] days of the termination of tenancy. To date, I have received neither my deposit nor any accounting of deductions. Specifically, I am requesting: 1. A detailed, itemized list of every deduction made from my security deposit, including the specific reason for each charge and the exact dollar amount. 2. Copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates for any repair or cleaning work charged against the deposit. 3. Payment of the remaining balance, if any, after legitimate deductions. Under [STATE] [STATUTE_REFERENCE], failure to provide a timely itemized statement may result in forfeiture of the right to withhold any portion of the deposit. Additionally, [STATE] law may entitle me to [PENALTY — e.g., "double the deposit amount plus attorney fees"] if the deposit is wrongfully withheld. I expect to receive the itemized statement and any refund owed within [RESPONSE_DAYS] days of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a claim in small claims court. Please send all correspondence to the address above or contact me at [YOUR_PHONE] or [YOUR_EMAIL]. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME]
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Verify your state's specific deadline for landlords to provide an itemized deposit statement — this varies from 14 to 60 days.
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information, double-checking dates and dollar amounts.
Include your forwarding address prominently so the landlord has no excuse for not sending the statement.
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof of delivery.
Keep copies of your move-in and move-out photos ready in case the landlord provides a disputed itemization.
If you already received a partial refund without itemization, note the amount received and demand the statement for the withheld portion.
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