Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

This document serves to facilitate tenants in requesting the refund of a security deposit furnished at the start of a rental period. A security deposit is a sum of money amounting to one or two month's rent, paid by a tenant to their landlord at the start of their tenancy in addition to payments of monthly rent and bills.

The deposit is held by the landlord as security in the rare event that the tenant fails to pay the agreed rent or bills, leaves the tenancy without notice or does physical damage to the property going beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords are supposed to return tenants' deposits promptly upon their vacating the property, typically within 14 days. A deposit can only be withheld if there are objective reasons to do so, specifically: non payment, withdrawal from lease or damage. In the absence of an objective reason to withhold the deposit, the landlord must return it to the tenant as soon as possible.

This letter is designed to support tenants in requesting the full or partial refund of their security deposit. It can be used whether the refund of the deposit is late, or simply to remind the landlord of their obligation to do so in advance of or upon vacating the property. This document allows the user to state why the refund of the deposit is necessary, by including all the legally relevant factors determining if a deposit ought to be returned. The user can indicate whether or not they, paid their rent in full, paid all bills in full and if any damage to the property occurred during their tenancy. In the event that some damage was done to the property, or there exists some arrears, the tenant can request a partial refund of their deposit, less the cost of any repairs or rental arrears. The deposit is supposed to act as security, not a means of enriching the landlord.

This document is presented in a formal and professional format to reflect the essentially legal nature of this correspondence, which ultimately can have significant financial consequences.

How to Use this Document

This document can be used by any tenant seeking a partial or full return of a security deposit paid in respect of a rented property. It can be used preemptively, to remind landlord's of their obligation to promptly refund the deposit, or if the landlord has failed to return the deposit when the tenant has vacated the property. Two weeks is considered the maximum reasonable grace period for landlords to inspect the property, assess any damages and arrange their finances so they can refund the deposit. Beyond this point, the return of the deposit is considered late and gives rise to potential liability on behalf of the landlord.

If a landlord determines that they are entitled to retain the deposit for damages or arrears, they should inform the tenant of the basis of their decision. If the tenant disputes this finding, legal advice can be sought through a number of reputable Irish housing charities. It is strongly advised that tenants don't let too much time pass between vacating the property and requesting a refund of the deposit through this letter. Moreover, it is advised that the user retain a hard and soft copy of this document for their personal files. Evidence of this communication will be very important in the unfortunate event of a dispute with the landlord over the deposit's return. Though there is always a risk of dispute, this letter is designed to clearly and effectively communicate the tenant's position and their legal rights, forthrightness and professionalism in communication go a long way to avoid disputes.

Applicable Law

This document has been written to incorporate the law governing landlord and tenant relations and property leasing in Ireland. Specifically: The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, these statutes operate to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

This document also observes the recommendations of housing charities, such as Threshold, whose guidelines are endorsed by the Irish state.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats for free. You can modify it and reuse it.

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

Updated August 08, 2022

Or use an attorney at ContractsCounsel to write a demand letter.


A security deposit demand letter is a request made by a tenant reminding a landlord to repay the deposit paid at the beginning of a lease term. Typically, this letter is written after the landlord has not paid the tenant back within the State required timeframe, which ranges from 14 to 60 days.

By State

The State-by-State demand letters are used when the landlord does not return the deposit after the tenancy has ended. The landlord must adhere to their State Required Return Period when the funds must be returned to the tenant.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Security Deposit Demand Types

After Tenancy – Sent to the landlord if the tenant has not received their security deposit back after the State Required Time-Period.

Did Not Place in a Separate Account – All security deposits must be placed in a separate account in the following States:

Failed to Transfer to New Owner – If the property is sold and the security deposit does not transfer to the new owner.

No Receipt – If the landlord does not furnish a security deposit receipt in the following States:

No Checklist – The landlord is required to furnish the tenant an inventory checklist in the following States:

Sample

SECURITY DEPOSIT DEMAND LETTER

John Escobar
123 Green Village Lane
Madison, New Jersey
07940

Date: May 3, 2018

Enterprise Properties
100 Main Street
Orange, New Jersey
07050

Dear Enterprise Properties,

On March 1st, 2017 we entered into an agreement to lease property located at 350 Jefferson Street #11A Madison, New Jersey. I placed a security deposit with you in the amount of one-thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400).

Under § 46:8-21.1 of the New Jersey Code you are required to return the deposit within thirty (30) days after the termination of the lease.

YOU ARE NOW BEYOND THE STATE LIMIT FOR RETURNING THE DEPOSIT

Therefore, please send payment as soon as possible to my new address of 123 Green Village Lane Madison, New Jersey 07940.

Sincerely,

John Escobar

Video

How to Write

Use the instructions below in order to best serve the landlord notice that you have not received the security deposit after the lease was terminated.

Step 1 – Verify the Laws in Your State

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

Despite what is written in the lease agreement, the landlord may have more time given the laws in your State. Therefore, it’s best to check the Security Deposit Return Laws and make sure that, in fact, the landlord is late.

Unless the tenant is requesting the security deposit back for Other Reasons.

Step 2 – Download and Complete

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

When completing, it is best to mention the following:

  • Landlord’s name (as listed in the lease);
  • Landlord’s address;
  • Original lease date;
  • State law (§); and
  • Reason for the demand.

Step 3 – Send via Certified Mail

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

It is time to send a letter. Even if you have the landlord’s email it is best to send via certified mail with return receipt. This ensures that the landlord has received the notice.

Any landlord will treat this as a major warning for payment. As by signing the return receipt (which gets returned to the tenant) they will know that you have legally notified them of this debt.

Step 4 – Wait for the Landlord’s Response

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

The landlord has two (2) options:

  1. Pay the Amount ($)
  2. Avoid Payment

In general, if you do not hear from the landlord within thirty (30) days chances are you will have to chase your security deposit via the court system.

Step 5 – Small Claims Court

Sample letter to landlord for return of security deposit

Unless your jurisdiction has a housing court, you will most likely have to make a filing in a small claims court. If the landlord decides to avoid paying, it is the most cost-effective to represent yourself (State-by-State Small Claims Limits ($)).

How do I write a return letter for a security deposit?

I am writing this letter to request you to kindly refund the security deposit that you had taken for the apartment located at B 403, Ridhi Sidhi Apartments, Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi. I had paid an amount of Rs. 50,000 as security deposit for the flat on March 2nd, 2022.

What is the California law on returning a renters deposit?

If a landlord does not return the entire amount of the tenant's security deposit within the 21 days required by law, and the tenant disputes the deductions from the deposit: The tenant can write a letter to the landlord explaining why he or she believes he or she is entitled to a larger refund.

How do I get my security deposit back from my landlord in California?

You can get your deposit back by suing in small claims court. If the landlord misses the 21-day deadline, he forfeits the right to deduct anything. If he keeps the money in bad faith, you can sue for up to 3 times the amount of the deposit. The process is quick, easy, and inexpensive.