Security Deposit Return Letter Template
An itemized statement sent after move-out that lists the deposit held, any interest, each deduction with its cost and reason, and the refund or balance owed.
Use this template
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.
General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
Before you use it
- Every state sets a deadline to return the deposit or send an itemized list, commonly between two weeks and a month after move-out.
- Deduct only unpaid amounts owed under the lease and damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Attach or keep proof for every deduction: photos, receipts, invoices or estimates.
- Missing the deadline can cost the right to keep any of the deposit, and some states add a penalty.
How to fill it in
- Underlined spaces are blanks to fill in. The small label says what goes there.
- Shaded boxes mark rules that change by state. Look up the rule where the property is located.
- Delete clauses that do not apply, and add any disclosures your state or city requires.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.
Security Deposit Return Letter
Send this statement to the tenant's forwarding address (or last known address) within your state's deadline, with the refund or a demand for any balance. Keep a copy, the move-in and move-out checklists, photos, and the receipts or estimates behind each deduction.
Statement of security deposit
- Date of statement
- Tenant name or names
- Forwarding address
- Rental property address and unit
- Lease start date
- Date the tenant moved out and returned keys
1. Deposit held
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Security deposit paid | |
| Pet deposit or other refundable deposit | |
| Interest earned, if required | |
| Total held |
2. Deductions
Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and other amounts owed under the lease, and to cleaning and repairs needed to return the home to its move-in condition, apart from normal wear and tear.
| Item and location | Why it was charged | Cost | Proof attached (receipt, invoice, estimate, photo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unpaid rent for period | |||
| Total deductions |
Where repair work is not yet finished, the charge above is a good faith estimate. We will send the final invoice and adjust the amount within Number of days days if your state requires it.
3. Result
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Total held | |
| Less total deductions | |
| Refund due to tenant | |
| Balance owed by tenant |
- A refund of $Refund amount is enclosed by check number Check number or was sent by Payment method on Date sent.
- Deductions exceed the deposit. Please pay the balance of $Balance owed by Due date to Payment address or portal.
If you have questions about any item, contact Contact name at Phone and email. If you disagree with a deduction, please tell us in writing and include any photos or records you have.
Mailing record
- Date mailed
- Method (first class, certified, other)
- Tracking number
- Mailed by
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.
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