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The letter that gets paid

This is what we send you. Statute-cited, deadline-attached, penalty math included.

Demand for Return of Security Deposit Sample · California
Statute-cited

September 5, 2026

Jane Smith
789 Management Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Dear Jane Smith,

I am writing to formally demand the return of my security deposit in the amount of $2,100 for the property at 123 Main St, Apt 4, Los Angeles, CA, which I vacated on January 15, 2026.

Pursuant to California Civil Code §1950.5, you were required to return the deposit, or provide an itemized statement of any deductions, within the state-mandated deadline of my move-out. As of today, that deadline has passed without response.

Under §1950.5(l), your continued retention of the deposit in bad faith may subject you to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit — a potential liability of $4,200 in addition to the original sum.

Please remit payment via check or money order to my forwarding address.

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What you get for $19.99

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State-specific, not generic

Cites the actual statute in your state. California Civil Code §1950.5. New York GBL §7-108. Texas Property Code §92.103. The right citation makes the difference.

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Penalty math, included

Most states give you 2x or 3x the deposit if your landlord willfully kept it past the deadline. We calculate that exact number for your situation and put it in the letter.

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Small-claims fallback

If they don't respond within 90 days, don't panic. Your $19.99 purchase turns into a credit toward our Small Claims Court Filing Document prep services that will be available very soon. Use your exclusive discount code to upgrade (standalone price $59.99).

What renters say

★★★★★
Sent the letter Monday, had my $2,100 back by Friday. Best $19 I've spent this year.
— Marisol R.
★★★★★
I'd been emailing for three months. The letter took six days. My landlord paid the original deposit plus an extra $400 to avoid going to court.
— David K.
★★★★★
Property manager actually called my phone within an hour of receiving it. Refunded same day.
— Jenna T.

Outcomes vary by state, landlord, and case.

Common questions

If your landlord ignores the deadline, it's time to escalate. Your Prep Pack includes a state-specific checklist for filing in small claims court, including deadlines, evidence requirements, and service instructions. If your situation is complex, consult a tenant-rights attorney or your state's legal aid society.
No. We don't provide legal advice or represent you. We provide a demand letter that cites publicly available statutes. You send it yourself. If your situation is complex, you should consult a tenant-rights lawyer or your state's legal aid society.
Generic letters don't work because they don't cite the specific law in your state. Ours does — every state, with the right statute number, the right deadline math, and the right penalty calculation. That's what makes landlords actually pay.
You can. Most people who try produce a letter that's either too polite ("I just wanted to follow up...") or too angry ("I'll be contacting my lawyer!!"). Both get ignored. The letter that works is calm, statute-cited, and has a specific deadline. That's what we write.
Under a minute. You answer a few quick questions, pay $19.99, and download your PDF demand letter and prep pack instantly. No signup, no account, no subscription.
Yes. The demand letter serves as evidence that you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing. Many small claims judges view this favorably. The prep pack we include walks you through the exact filing process for your state.
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within the same statutory deadline. If they miss the deadline, most states require them to return the full deposit regardless of claimed damages. Our letter cites this requirement explicitly.
For most security deposit disputes, no. A well-cited demand letter is often enough to motivate payment. If your case involves complex issues (personal injury, eviction countersuits), consult a tenant-rights attorney. We are not a law firm.
California allows up to 2× the deposit for bad-faith retention. Illinois awards 2× the deposit plus attorney fees. Texas awards 3× the wrongfully withheld amount plus $100 and attorney fees. New York forfeits the right to keep any portion if the deadline is missed. Your letter calculates the exact penalty for your state.
Bad faith generally means the landlord knowingly and willfully withheld your deposit without a legitimate legal basis. Examples include: missing the statutory deadline entirely, refusing to provide an itemized deduction list, or deducting for 'normal wear and tear.' The letter cites the bad-faith standard for your specific state.
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