Security Deposit Return Letter Form

A security deposit return letter form is an easy to edit template that can be used by landlords or property management companies. The letter is addressed to the former tenant and includes the amount of security deposit being returned as well as any deductions to repair the property. It also includes the date of the original lease and the address of the previously leased location for reference. Once written, it should be signed. A copy of the letter should be made and kept for future reference.

What is a security deposit return letter?

This document is used by a landlord in the real estate and rental field. This letter will be used to inform a tenant about the return of security deposit they will receive after moving out of a rental property. This document should be used in order to provide the tenant with a record of their deposit and any deductions that were taken out by the landlord.

The letter should include contact information for the tenant and the landlord in case there is a dispute. The address for the property should also be detailed. Information about the deposit can be listed. This should include the original amount of the deposit and the amount being returned to the tenant or of any balance due. The landlord should detail what the deductions are and why they were taken out of the full amount. The landlord will also need to sign the document.

Other names

  • Security deposit refund letter
  • Security deposit return form

When should you use a security deposit return letter?

You should use a security deposit return letter if you are returning a tenant’s deposit and you want to provide the tenant with written notice of the deductions that were taken from the security deposit.  Any deductions that you take should have been specified in the landlord tenant lease agreement.

This document will protect you and show that you’ve met your legal responsibilities as a landlord.  The letter creates a record of the date and the amount returned. This letter is sometimes required by state law.  You may also be required to send this letter via certified mail.

How to write a security deposit return letter

You can create this letter by following a few simple steps.  Include:

  1. Today’s date
  2. Lessor’s name
  3. Lessor’s address
  4. How the lessor can be reached
  5. Name of lessee
  6. Date of lease start
  7. Total monthly rent
  8. Total deposit paid
  9. Whether any interest was accrued on deposit
  10. Address of property that was leased
  11. Whether full deposit is being returned
  12. Itemized list of deductions for amount of deposit not being returned
  13. What is the address of the lessee where the letter is being sent

Once you have included all of this information, sign and date the letter.

Balance of total deposit minus all deductions Resources

Return Periods

  • AL – 60 days (§ 35-9A-201)
  • AK – 14 days (§ 34.03.070)
  • AZ – 14 days (§ 33-1321)
  • AR – 60 days (§ 18-16-305)
  • CA – 21 days (1950.5)
  • CO – 1 month (§ 38-12-103)
  • CT – 15 days (§ 47a-21)
  • DE – 20 days (Title 25 § 5514)
  • FL – 15 days (83.49(3)(a))
  • GA – 1 month (§ 44-7-34)
  • HI – 14 days (§ 521-44)
  • ID – 21 days (§ 6-321)
  • IL – 30 days (765 ILCS 710)
  • IN – 45 days (§ 32-31-3-12)
  • IA – 30 days (§ 562A.12(3)(a))
  • KS – 30 days (§ 58-2550(b))
  • KY – 60 days (Statute 383.580)
  • LA – 1 month (§ 9:3251)
  • ME – 21 or 30 days (§ 6033)
  • MD – 45 days (§ 8–203)
  • MA – 30 days (Ch. 186, Section 15B)
  • MI – 30 days (§ 554.609)
  • MN – 45 days (§ 89-8-21)
  • MS – 45 days (§ 89-8-21)
  • MO – 30 days (Section 535.300)
  • MT – 10 days (§ 70-25-202)
  • NE – 14 days (§ 76-1416)
  • NV – 30 days (NRS 118A.242)
  • NH – 30 days (RSA 540-A:7)
  • NJ – 30 days (§ 46:8-21.1)
  • NM – 30 days ((§ 47-8-24)
  • NY – Reasonable Time (Source)
  • NC – 30 days (§ 42-52)
  • ND – 30 days (§ 47-16-07.1)
  • OH – 30 days (§ 5321.16)
  • OK – 30 days (§ 41-115)
  • OR – 31 days (§ 90.300)
  • PA – 30 days (§ 250.512)
  • RI – 20 days (§ 34-18-19)
  • SC – 30 days (§ 27-40-410)
  • SD – 14 days (§ 43-32-24)
  • TN – 30 days (§ 66-28-301)
  • TX – 30 days (§ 92.103)
  • UT – 30 days (§ 57-17-3)
  • VT – 14 days (§ 4461)
  • VA – 45 days (§ 55-248.15:1)
  • WA – 14 days (§ 59.18.280)
  • WV – 45 days (§ 37-6A-1)
  • WI – 21 days (§ 134.06)
  • WY – 30 days (§ 1-21-1208(A))

Download a PDF or Word Template

Security Deposit Return Letter

Rental Application

Sublease Agreement

Sample Security Deposit Return Letter

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Sample Security Deposit Return Letter

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