Free Security Deposit Demand Letter Template
Your landlord has a legal deadline to return your deposit. If they missed it, you may be owed 2–3x what they owe you.
Want us to handle it for you?
The free template works great on its own. But if you want more firepower:
Here’s what your California demand letter looks like:
Formal Demand Letter
Re: Security Deposit — $2,400.00
April 20, 2026
Ref: CA-SD-2026
Dear Property Management Group LLC,
I am writing to formally demand the return of my security deposit in the amount of $2,400.00, which you have unlawfully withheld beyond the legally required timeframe.
Demand is hereby made for the full return of $2,400.00, plus statutory damages of $2,400.00, within 14 days.
Certified Mail Service
$19- Professionally formatted on letterhead
- Sent via USPS Certified Mail with tracking
- Delivery proof creates a legal paper trail
- Landlords take third-party letters 10x more seriously
Full Recovery Package
$149- Everything in Certified Mail, plus:
- Lease & evidence review for every violation
- Small claims court forms pre-filled
- Follow-up if landlord ignores the letter
- 100% money-back guarantee
Three steps to get your deposit back
Enter your email & state
We'll send you a free demand letter template customized for your state's specific laws and deadlines.
Fill it in and send it
The template cites your state's exact statute. Fill in your details and mail it to your landlord.
Get your deposit back
Most landlords respond within 14 days of receiving a formal demand letter citing their legal obligations.
26%
of tenants lose their deposit*
$500+
typical lawyer cost*
73%
give up fighting*
Free
our demand letter template
Landlords count on you giving up.
Every year, landlords wrongfully withhold billionsin security deposits. They know most tenants won’t fight — hiring a lawyer costs more than the deposit itself.
A formal demand letter changes the math. It tells your landlord you know the law — and you’re serious.
$1,400+
Average US security deposit
14 days
Typical landlord response time
50 states
Every state law covered
Frequently asked questions
Is the demand letter template really free?
Yes. We'll email you a state-specific demand letter template that cites the exact statute your landlord is violating. Fill it in and send it yourself at no cost.
What if I don't want to send it myself?
We offer a $19 service where we professionally format your letter and send it via USPS Certified Mail with tracking and delivery proof. Most landlords take certified mail from a third party much more seriously.
How is this different from a generic template I find online?
Our template cites your state's specific statute number (e.g., Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5), calculates the exact penalty your landlord owes based on your state's multiplier, and references the legal deadline they missed.
What if my landlord still refuses after the demand letter?
Our $149 Full Recovery package includes follow-up letters, small claims court filing preparation, evidence organization, and step-by-step guidance. The certified mail receipt becomes evidence in court.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
It varies by state — anywhere from 14 to 60 days after move-out. If they miss the deadline, many states let you collect penalties up to 2-3x your deposit amount.
Is RefundMyDeposit a law firm?
No. We are a self-help document preparation service. We help you draft demand letters based on your state's laws, but we do not provide legal advice or representation.
Security Deposit Laws by State
Know your rights. Every state has different deadlines and penalties.
* Statistics based on published surveys and industry data: tenant deposit loss rate from RentPrep (2023), average legal consultation costs from Martindale-Nolo (2024), and dispute abandonment rates from the National Apartment Association (2022). Figures are approximate and may vary by state.