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Free letter generator

Ask for your deposit back with a clear, dated letter.

Create a clear, polite security deposit demand letter in minutes. Fill in the details, download it as a PDF and send it to your landlord or letting agent.

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Your letter

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Fill in the details below and your letter is written as you type.

California: 21 days after you move out, with an itemized statement for any deduction. California guide · the law itself

Deductions you disagree with (optional)

Add any charges you believe are unfair, and why if you can.

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[Your address or email]October 27, 2026
[Landlord or property manager]

Re: Return of security deposit for [Rental address]

Dear [Landlord or property manager],

I am writing about the security deposit for [Rental address]. I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. My security deposit was [deposit amount].

I have not yet received my deposit back or a list of any deductions.

I understand that California Civil Code section 1950.5 sets out how and when a security deposit must be returned in California, and that a deposit cannot be used to cover normal wear and tear.

I have dated photos of the property at move-in and at move-out, and I am happy to share them.

Please return my security deposit, or send me an itemized list of any deductions with receipts or estimates, within 14 days of the date of this letter.

If we cannot resolve this, I am prepared to file a claim in small claims court.

Please send payment and any reply to the address above.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

This is a template, not legal advice. Whether a deduction is allowed depends on your lease or tenancy agreement, the facts and the law where you live.

A letter is stronger with a record behind it.RentSeal keeps your move-in and move-out photos with the dates they were added, room by room, and turns them into one evidence pack you can attach or share. Starting your next rental? Start the record on day one. Free to start, with up to 10 photos per rental.
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Before you send it

Four things to do first.

  1. Send it in writing and keep proof of the date: email is fine.
  2. Attach or offer your move-in and move-out photos, the lease and any messages about the charges.
  3. Keep to the facts, one charge at a time. A calm letter is easier to say yes to.
  4. If the deadline you gave passes, the next step is usually small claims court in the US, or the deposit scheme’s free dispute service in England and Wales.
Questions

Questions, answered.

More in the renter guides, and the free move-out checklist.

What is a security deposit demand letter?

A short, dated letter to your landlord asking for your deposit back, or disputing the deductions they have taken, and saying what you will do next if it is not resolved. It puts your position in writing, which matters if you later go to small claims court or a deposit scheme.

Should I send it by email or post?

Either, as long as you keep proof of when it was sent. Email keeps a date automatically. If your lease names an address for notices, send a copy there too, and keep a copy of everything.

How long should I give my landlord to reply?

Fourteen days is common and reasonable. What deadline your landlord had to return the deposit in the first place depends on your lease and the law where you live, so check your state or country before you send it.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is a template to help you ask clearly and politely. Whether a deduction is allowed depends on your tenancy agreement, the facts and the law. For advice, contact a tenant organization, legal aid, Citizens Advice or Shelter.

I live in England or Wales. Is this different?

Yes. Your deposit should be protected in one of three government-approved schemes (DPS, TDS or mydeposits), and each has a free dispute service. Choose England and Wales above and the letter will refer to your scheme instead of small claims court.