Most states require the landlord to send a written, itemized statement of any deductions within the deadline. In many states, failing to do that forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit — even if there was real damage. Use this letter when you got nothing, or a vague “kept for cleaning/repairs” with no itemization.
[Your full name]
[Your mailing address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Date]
[Landlord or property manager name]
[Landlord mailing address]
[City, State ZIP]
Re: Demand for deposit — no itemized statement provided
[former rental address, unit #]
Dear [Landlord name],
I moved out of [former rental address] on [move-out date] and paid a
security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I provided my forwarding address
on [date].
More than [X] days have passed. I have [received nothing / received only
$[amount returned] / been told the deposit was kept] but I have NOT
received a written, itemized statement of deductions with supporting
receipts or estimates, as required by [state statute citation].
Under [state statute], a landlord who fails to provide a timely itemized
statement [forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit /
is liable as described in the statute]. I therefore demand the return of
the full deposit of $[deposit amount].
Please mail $[deposit amount] to my address above within [10] days of the
date of this letter. If I do not receive it, I will pursue the deposit,
the statutory penalty, and costs in small claims court.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your printed name]
Notes
- The forfeiture rule is strong in states like New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Florida, and missing the itemization deadline raises a bad-faith presumption in others (e.g. Texas). Confirm your state’s exact rule and wording in the state table.
- If you did get a statement but it’s vague or unsupported, use the inflated repair costs or request an itemized statement letters instead.
Don’t assume “no statement” means you automatically win every dollar. It strongly helps, but a landlord may still try to counter-sue for actual damages in some states. Keep your move-out evidence ready.