Not legal advice. Template only. Full disclaimer
What to do if your landlord ignores your demand letter
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.
Haven’t sent a letter yet? Start with our small claims demand letter guide. This page is for after your deadline has passed.
A demand letter is not the end—it is the start of a documented timeline. If the response deadline passes without payment, prepare for small claims court calmly and completely.
Before you file
- Confirm your letter was sent certified mail and keep the green card when it returns.
- Organize deposit amount, move-out date, photos, and any landlord accounting.
- Re-read your state page for the verified statute and deadline—you will need dates, not emotions, in court.
Small claims basics
Most deposit disputes fit in small claims limits. File in the county where the property is located or where your landlord does business, following your state court’s self-help instructions. Official court websites linked on our state pages are the right place to start.
Stay professional
Do not harass your landlord. Communicate in writing, stick to amounts and dates, and let the court process work.
Write another demand letter · State deadlines
FAQ
How long should I wait after a demand letter?
Use the response deadline you set in the letter—often 10 days—then consider filing if payment does not arrive.
Do I need the landlord’s answer to file?
No, but keep proof you sent the letter and they received it.
Will DepositLetter file for me?
No. We help you draft the letter; courts handle claims.
What evidence helps?
Lease, deposit receipt, move-out photos, correspondence, certified mail receipts, and any itemized deduction list.
Are outcomes guaranteed?
No. Courts decide based on evidence and law.