15 Sample Request Letters for Refund of Security Deposit from Landlord

Requesting the return of your security deposit can feel stressful, but a clear and polite letter makes the process much smoother. These sample letters will help you communicate effectively with your landlord and increase your chances of a timely refund.




1. Formal Security Deposit Refund Request

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request the return of my security deposit for the property located at [Your Address], which I vacated on [Move-Out Date].

As outlined in our lease agreement, the deposit was collected as security against potential damages or unpaid rent. Upon moving out, I made sure to clean the apartment thoroughly, repair minor wear and tear, and return all keys.

I have attached photos documenting the apartment’s condition at the time of my departure. Please let me know if there are any concerns or additional steps I should take to expedite the refund process.

According to [State] law, security deposits must be returned within [Number] days of move-out. I kindly ask that you process the full refund promptly.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


2. Security Deposit Refund Follow-Up

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am reaching out to follow up on my request for the return of my security deposit for [Your Address]. My tenancy ended on [Move-Out Date], and I ensured the property was left in clean, undamaged condition.

I previously sent a written notice of my intent to vacate, and during our walkthrough, you confirmed there were no significant issues with the apartment. I have not yet received confirmation about my security deposit refund.

Could you please provide an update on the status of my refund? I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, as it helps me with my moving expenses.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


3. Request for Itemized Deductions and Deposit Refund

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to request the return of my security deposit for [Your Address]. In case you plan to deduct any charges, I respectfully ask for a detailed, itemized statement specifying each deduction and its reason.

During my move-out, I made every effort to restore the apartment to its original state. I cleaned each room, fixed minor nail holes, and removed all my belongings as required by the lease.

Please let me know if there are any outstanding concerns or paperwork to complete. Otherwise, I kindly request the prompt return of my remaining deposit balance.

Thank you for your transparency and cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


4. Friendly Reminder: Security Deposit Return

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I hope you are well. I am sending this friendly reminder to request the refund of my security deposit for [Your Address].

I moved out on [Date], after thoroughly cleaning the apartment, removing all personal items, and returning the keys as instructed. Please let me know if you need my forwarding address or if there are any additional forms to fill out.

Your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated, as I rely on these funds for my new housing arrangements.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance.





Best regards,
[Your Name]


5. Security Deposit Refund After Final Walkthrough

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

Following our final walkthrough of [Your Address] on [Date], I am formally requesting the refund of my security deposit.

As we discussed during the inspection, the apartment was left in excellent condition. I made sure to clean all surfaces, floors, and appliances, and addressed any small repairs you pointed out.

I have provided my forwarding address below for the return of the deposit. Please let me know if you need any additional information from my end.

Thank you for your professionalism and cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Forwarding Address]


6. Request for Immediate Security Deposit Refund

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to request the immediate return of my security deposit for [Your Address]. My lease ended on [Move-Out Date], and I followed all move-out procedures, including cleaning, minor repairs, and returning the keys.

To date, I have not received any notification about deductions or the status of my refund. I kindly ask that you process the refund as soon as possible, in line with our lease agreement and state regulations.





Please confirm when the deposit will be mailed or transferred.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


7. Security Deposit Refund for Clean Unit

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I would like to request the return of my security deposit for [Your Address], which I vacated on [Date]. Before leaving, I conducted a thorough cleaning of the apartment, including carpets, appliances, and bathrooms, and ensured all fixtures were in working order.

I have attached photos and an inventory checklist for your review. If there are any issues, please let me know right away so we can resolve them promptly.

I look forward to your confirmation regarding the timeline for my refund.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


8. Security Deposit Refund with Forwarding Address

Dear [Landlord’s Name],





I am reaching out to request the return of my security deposit following my recent move from [Your Address]. I have left the apartment clean, undamaged, and empty, as outlined in our lease agreement.

For your convenience, my new mailing address is [Forwarding Address]. Please use this address to send the security deposit check or to notify me of any concerns.

Thank you for handling this request promptly.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


9. Request for Security Deposit Minus Last Month’s Rent

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing regarding the refund of my security deposit for [Your Address]. As discussed prior to my move, the last month’s rent was to be deducted from my security deposit as agreed.

I have taken care to leave the apartment clean and free of damage. Please provide a breakdown of any further deductions and return the remaining balance to me as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your assistance in settling my account.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


10. Security Deposit Refund After Repairs

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I recently moved out of [Your Address] and made sure to address all cleaning and minor repair needs before returning the keys. I repainted scuffed walls, filled nail holes, and left the apartment in great condition.

I kindly request the refund of my security deposit at your earliest convenience. If you notice any concerns that I might have overlooked, please let me know so we can resolve them swiftly.

Thank you for your cooperation and for your time as my landlord.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


11. Security Deposit Refund with No Deductions

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to formally request the full refund of my security deposit for [Your Address]. Upon moving out, I double-checked each room to make sure there were no damages or cleaning issues.

All keys and remotes have been returned to your office, and all outstanding utility bills have been paid as required. I expect a full refund, as stipulated in the lease agreement.

Please let me know when I can expect to receive the deposit.

Thank you,
[Your Name]


12. Request for Security Deposit Refund Under State Law

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to request the refund of my security deposit for [Your Address], in accordance with [State] law. My lease ended on [Date], and I left the property in good condition, which you acknowledged during the walkthrough.

State regulations require that you return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within [Number] days. I would appreciate a written update regarding the status of my refund.

Thank you for your timely response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


13. Security Deposit Refund After Lease Termination

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

Now that my lease at [Your Address] has officially ended, I am requesting the return of my security deposit. I thoroughly cleaned the unit, repaired any minor issues, and returned all keys as specified in our lease.

Please let me know if there are any concerns that need to be addressed before the deposit is released. Otherwise, I look forward to receiving the refund within [Number] days, as required by law.

Thank you for your assistance during my tenancy.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


14. Polite Request for Security Deposit Refund

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I hope you are well. I am writing to kindly request the refund of my security deposit from [Your Address], as my tenancy ended on [Date].

I made sure the apartment was left in a clean, undamaged condition and followed all the move-out procedures outlined in our lease. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at your convenience.

Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to my request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]


15. Security Deposit Refund with Photographic Evidence

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am requesting the return of my security deposit for [Your Address]. Prior to leaving, I documented the apartment’s condition with detailed photographs, which I have attached for your review.

I have complied with all the requirements in the lease, including cleaning, repairs, and the return of keys. Please let me know if you need further documentation or if any issues need clarification.

Thank you for your cooperation in processing my refund as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]




Security Deposit Refund FAQ
Security Deposit Refund – FAQ
Most states require landlords to return the security deposit within 14 to 30 days of move-out. Check your lease agreement and local laws for specific timelines. If you do not receive your deposit within the required period, you may send a formal written request or seek legal assistance.
Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, and damages that exceed ordinary use. They cannot deduct for minor scuffs or normal wear. Always request an itemized list of any deductions if you do not receive the full amount.
Your letter should include your name, address of the rental property, move-out date, and a request for a timely refund. It is also helpful to mention your forwarding address, attach photos of the cleaned property, and request an itemized deduction statement if necessary.
First, send a formal written request and keep records of all correspondence. If the landlord still refuses or ignores your request, you can file a complaint with your local housing authority or take the matter to small claims court, where you may be entitled to damages in addition to your deposit.
While not always required, providing photographs of the cleaned and undamaged property can help prevent disputes. Photos serve as proof of the property’s condition at move-out and strengthen your request if the landlord claims damages.
Yes, you may send your request by email or traditional mail. However, using a method that provides proof of delivery (such as certified mail or a read receipt for email) is recommended in case you need to prove your request was made.



Request your security deposit refund easily with these 15 sample letters for tenants to send to landlords.