The Letter Pilot

Security Deposit Return Request Letter Template

Ask for a missing deposit refund or an explanation of deductions after moving out.

Landlord/Tenant · Updated October 5, 2026

Security Deposit Return Request Letter

Replace the bracketed details with your own. Copy or download the letter to edit it.

[Your Name] [Your Current Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email or Phone] [Date] [Landlord or Property Manager Name] [Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Re: Security deposit refund and accounting for [Former Rental Address] Dear [Landlord or Property Manager Name]: I paid a security deposit of $[Deposit Amount] for my tenancy at [Former Rental Address]. I moved out on [Move-Out Date]. As of [Date of This Letter], I have received $[Amount Received, or 0]. I am still waiting for [The Refund, Itemized Accounting, or Both]. Please send any remaining deposit refund due to me. If deductions have not yet been explained, please provide an itemized accounting showing each charge, the amount, and the reason, along with supporting records. My current mailing address is listed above. Please use it for the accounting and any refund. Please respond by [Requested Response Date]. You can contact me at [Your Email or Phone] if you need more information. Thank you for reviewing this request. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: [List Supporting Copies, or Delete This Line if None]

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Before you start

If you have moved out and have not received a deposit refund or a statement explaining deductions, identify the rental, move-out date, deposit paid, and forwarding address. Ask for any refund due and an itemized accounting. If you already have a list of charges you disagree with, use the deduction-dispute template instead.

When to request a missing deposit or accounting

  • You moved out and have received neither a deposit refund nor a deduction statement.
  • You received a partial refund but no explanation of the amount withheld.
  • You need to confirm the forwarding address for the refund and accounting.

Completed return-request example

Example: no refund or accounting received

Fictional example: Alex Morgan paid a $1,200 deposit and has not received a refund or deduction statement. All names and addresses are invented. The requested reply date is a request, not a statement of a legal deadline.

Alex Morgan 123 Example Lane Exampleville, CO 80000 alex@example.com October 5, 2026 Property Manager Example Rentals 456 Sample Street Exampleville, CO 80000 Re: Security deposit refund and accounting for 789 Example Road, Unit 2 Dear Property Manager: I paid a security deposit of $1,200 for my tenancy at 789 Example Road, Unit 2. I moved out on August 31, 2026. As of October 5, I have received no deposit refund and no itemized statement explaining deductions. Please send any remaining deposit refund due to me. If you have made deductions, please provide an itemized accounting showing each charge, its amount and reason, and supporting records. Please send the accounting and any refund to my current mailing address above. I would appreciate a response by October 19, 2026. You can contact me at alex@example.com if you need more information. Thank you for reviewing this request. Sincerely, Alex Morgan Enclosures: Copy of deposit receipt and move-out confirmation

How to write a deposit return request

  1. Choose the right letter. Use this request when the refund or accounting is missing. If you already have an itemized statement and disagree with specific charges, use the deduction-dispute letter. Dispute itemized deposit deductions
  2. Check your records. Confirm the rental address, deposit paid, move-out date, and any refund already received. Use the amounts shown in your records.
  3. Provide your current address. Give a complete forwarding address and a way to contact you. Ask the landlord to send any refund due and an itemized accounting.
  4. Review the applicable rules. Check official guidance for your rental's location before claiming a legal deadline, interest, or a penalty. The response date you request in the letter is not automatically a legal deadline.
  5. Keep a dated copy. Save your letter, attachments, and any mailing records. Include copies of the deposit receipt and relevant move-out correspondence if they help explain the request.

Before sending your request

  • Edit the letter to match what you have and have not received; do not describe a full refund as missing if it has arrived.
  • Ask for an accounting before guessing which deductions the landlord may have made.
  • Remove unsupported legal claims and keep any requested response date separate from the applicable legal deadline.
  • Use copies of supporting records and keep your originals.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the right letter if I already received a deduction statement?

If you disagree with listed charges, use the security deposit deduction-dispute template instead. If you accept the statement but its listed refund has not arrived, use this letter to ask about the missing payment and remove any accounting request already answered.

What if I received only part of the deposit?

Enter the amount actually received and ask for an itemized explanation of the remainder. Do not assume the entire withheld amount is refundable before reviewing the explanation and applicable rules.

How long does the landlord have to return the deposit?

Check the rules that apply where the rental is located. This general letter does not supply a legal deadline; your requested reply date does not replace the applicable rules.

What should I attach?

Useful copies can include the deposit receipt, relevant lease pages, move-out confirmation, forwarding-address notice, and earlier messages about the refund. Include only records that help identify or explain this request.

Should I use Certified Mail or Return Receipt?

Certified Mail provides a mailing receipt and delivery or attempted-delivery information. Return Receipt is an optional extra for a signature delivery record. Check any required delivery method separately.

What if there is still no response?

Keep your request and mailing records, check whether the landlord has your current address, and review official local guidance on next steps. A tenant organization, housing agency, or qualified legal adviser can help with a situation-specific dispute.

This template is for informational purposes only. Landlord-tenant laws vary significantly by state and locality. Consult an attorney or tenant rights organization for specific guidance.

Sources

The California source applies to California rentals, not every rental nationwide. Check official guidance for the state and locality where your rental is located. The USPS source explains the mailing services.

Related templates and resources

Dispute itemized deposit deductions

Use this letter after receiving a statement with specific charges you disagree with.

Notice to Vacate Letter Template

A move-out notice is separate from requesting a deposit refund after leaving.

Mail your deposit return request with tracking

Send your completed letter online using Certified Mail.

How to write and send a certified letter

Prepare your letter and keep your mailing records.

Ready to mail your letter?

Edit your details, then choose postage and tracking.