Security Deposit Demand Letter
Demand the return of your security deposit from a landlord who hasn't returned it within the legal deadline. Includes your state's specific statute, deadline, and penalty provisions.
Statute of Limitations Warning
Legal deadlines apply to your claim. You lose your right to act if you wait too long. Send notice as soon as possible.
Why this letter works:
- Cites the exact law: Automatically applies the correct state and federal statutes to your situation.
- Sets a firm deadline: Legally compels a response within the required statutory timeframe.
- Creates a paper trail: Designed to serve as Exhibit A if you need to escalate to an agency or court.
Answer a few questions and we'll create your personalized letter.
One-time price:$19≈ C$27Paid once at the end. No subscription.
What you'll get
Below is a real example. Your version will be personalized with your name, the exact statute that applies where you are, and the right deadline.
August 13, 2026
VIA REGISTERED MAIL WITH SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION
RE: Demand for Return of Security Deposit — Unit 812, 1450 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC V5L 3X9
Dear Lakeview Residential Management:
I am writing to formally demand the return of my security deposit in the amount of $1,650.00. I was a tenant at Unit 812, 1450 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC V5L 3X9, with a lease that commenced on July 1, 2024 and terminated when I vacated the premises on June 30, 2026. All keys were returned on June 30, 2026.
Written notice of my intent to vacate was provided on April 28, 2026, in compliance with the terms of my lease.
Pursuant to the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act, you are required to return my security deposit, less any lawful deductions, within fifteen (15) days after the tenancy ends and you receive my forwarding address.
To date, I have not received any itemized statement of deductions as required by Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78. Failure to provide such an accounting within the statutory deadline may result in forfeiture of your right to claim any deductions whatsoever.
Under Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78, you were required to return my deposit, or provide an itemized statement of deductions, within 15 days of the termination of my tenancy. As of the date of this letter, this deadline has passed without full compliance.
Please be advised that Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78 provides for penalties of up to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld for failure to comply with the security deposit return requirements. Landlord may be liable for double the amount of the deposit.
I hereby demand that you return the full amount of $1,650.00 within 14 days of receipt of this letter. Payment should be made by check or money order, payable to Daniel R., and mailed to the address listed above.
If I do not receive the full amount owed within the stated timeframe, I intend to pursue all available legal remedies, including but not limited to filing a claim in Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). I may also seek any statutory penalties, interest, court costs, and attorney fees to which I am entitled under Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c 78.
I trust this matter can be resolved without further action. Please contact me at the address above to arrange payment.
Sincerely,
This letter was generated using Commoner Law (commoner-law.com) for informational and self-help purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
The full letter — including the statute citations for your state — is shown above. Only the recipient block, signature, and mailing instructions are masked. They appear in the PDF you download after payment ($19).
Your Action Plan
This is the final formal demand before litigation.
Download your personalized PDF immediately after purchase and send it.
Your letter includes a firm deadline. Do not engage in informal text messages during this time.
If they miss the deadline, you have completed the required out-of-court steps. Hand this complete paper trail to a local attorney for litigation.
Your Situation
Tell us a bit about your rental situation so we can tailor your letter.
This determines which law and deadlines apply to your letter.
The total amount you paid as a security deposit.
Before you start
What exactly do I get, and when?
A personalized PDF letter, written around the statute that applies to your situation, with the deadline and the consequence spelled out. It downloads the moment payment confirms, back here on commoner-law.com — there is no waiting period and no account to create. You can also add certified mail at checkout and we will send the physical letter for you.
How much is it?
$19, once. Not a subscription, and nothing is charged until you complete payment on Stripe at the end of the wizard. Any add-ons you select show their own price before you pay.
Is this legal advice?
This tool creates a demand letter for self-help purposes. It is not legal advice and does not replace consultation with a licensed attorney. A demand letter is a formal request — it does not guarantee your deposit will be returned. If the amount exceeds your state's residential tenancies tribunal limit, or if your landlord has an attorney, consider consulting a lawyer.
What if I need to change something afterwards?
Tell us and we will either adjust the letter and send you the updated version at no cost, or refund you in full — your choice. If we can’t deliver what you paid for, the refund is automatic. Full terms are on our promise page.
Do I have to pay to know if I have a case?
No. The rights encyclopedia on this site is free and cites the same primary sources the letter does. Read the relevant guide first — plenty of situations are resolved by a phone call to a free statutory body, and where one exists we say so.