Not legal advice. Template only. Full disclaimer
Security deposit demand letter
Your landlord has a legal deadline. Here’s a letter that holds them to it—plain English, print-ready, built for certified mail.
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.
Create my demand letter
Enter your move-out date to see your landlord’s deadline.
How it works
- Enter your move-out details and deposit amounts.
- We calculate your state’s return deadline and draft a demand letter citing verified rules.
- Preview the opening for free; unlock the full letter to print, copy, and mail certified.
Why a demand letter works
Landlords respond to dated, written requests that cite the law. A clear letter shows you know the deadline, the amount owed, and your next step—small claims court if they stay silent.
States we cover
Full state pages with penalties for California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. See the security deposit return deadline for all 50 states and DC, with a deadline calculator.
Pricing
One-time payment, no subscription. Pricing details.
Letter
$9.99 one-time
The state-specific demand letter, full text.
- Full demand letter for your state (unblurred)
- Print / Save as PDF and copy text
- What-to-do-next checklist
Letter + small-claims packet
$19 one-time
Everything in Letter, plus a second notice and a small-claims filing packet.
- Everything in Letter
- Certified-mail-ready PDF of the letter
- A second “final notice” letter to send if the first deadline passes
- Small-claims packet: filing checklist and exhibit list (see our small claims demand letter guide)
Complete
$29 one-time
Everything in Letter + small-claims packet, plus a deduction-dispute letter.
- Everything in Letter + small-claims packet
- Deduction-dispute letter that challenges each itemized deduction
FAQ
Is DepositLetter a lawyer?
No. We provide document templates based on your inputs and verified state summaries. This is not legal advice.
How many free letters can I generate?
You can generate and preview up to three letters per day per connection. The preview shows part of the letter; the full text unlocks with a one-time purchase.
Which states do you support?
The letter tool cites the deadline and statute for ten states. Our /states/ page lists the return deadline for all 50 states and DC where we confirmed it on an official site. For other states, the letter uses neutral language without citing a specific deadline.
How should I send the demand letter?
Certified mail with return receipt is the standard approach. Keep a copy, the receipt, and note the landlord’s response deadline on your calendar.
What if my landlord ignores the letter?
After your response deadline passes, you may file in small claims court for the amount owed. See our guide on next steps after a demand letter.
Can I edit the letter later?
You can regenerate within the free daily limits. A paid plan unlocks the full letter for PDF and copy; every plan is a one-time purchase.