How long do I have to return the security deposit?

It depends on your state and sometimes your city. Many states set a deadline of roughly 14 to 30 days after move-out to return the deposit and send an itemized statement of any deductions, but the exact window and rules differ. Check your state's landlord-tenant statute for the deadline that applies to you.

What can I deduct from the deposit?

Typically unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — not routine cleaning or normal aging. Allowed deductions and whether you must attach receipts vary by state, so confirm the rules where the rental is located. This template gives you three lines to describe each deduction and its amount.

Do I need to itemize the deductions?

Usually yes. Most states require a written, itemized statement listing each deduction and its reason when you keep any part of the deposit; some cap how much you can withhold without receipts. The letter includes fields for each deduction's reason and amount so the accounting is on the record.

Is this an official form?

No. It's a general fill-in template AttachKit created, not an official government form and not legal advice. Some states or landlord associations publish their own forms or specific required wording. Use this as a starting record and check your local requirements or a lawyer for high-stakes situations.

Housing · Security deposit return letter

Fill a security deposit return letter online — free

A security deposit return letter is what a landlord sends a tenant after move-out to account for the deposit — the original amount held, any itemized deductions with reasons, and the balance being returned. It creates a clear record for both sides. State and local law usually set a deadline to send it (often 14–30 days) and what deductions are allowed, so those rules vary by where the rental is.

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Who needs it: Landlords and property managers returning a tenant's security deposit at the end of a lease, especially when deducting for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear and needing to itemize it.

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Security deposit return letter questions, answered

General information, not legal or tax advice

This page is general information about a commonly-used document. State and local law varies — for advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. AttachKit fills the PDF; you're responsible for whether the contents are right for your case.

How long do I have to return the security deposit?: It depends on your state and sometimes your city. Many states set a deadline of roughly 14 to 30 days after move-out to return the deposit and send an itemized statement of any deductions, but the exact window and rules differ. Check your state's landlord-tenant statute for the deadline that applies to you.
What can I deduct from the deposit?: Typically unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — not routine cleaning or normal aging. Allowed deductions and whether you must attach receipts vary by state, so confirm the rules where the rental is located. This template gives you three lines to describe each deduction and its amount.
Do I need to itemize the deductions?: Usually yes. Most states require a written, itemized statement listing each deduction and its reason when you keep any part of the deposit; some cap how much you can withhold without receipts. The letter includes fields for each deduction's reason and amount so the accounting is on the record.
Is this an official form?: No. It's a general fill-in template AttachKit created, not an official government form and not legal advice. Some states or landlord associations publish their own forms or specific required wording. Use this as a starting record and check your local requirements or a lawyer for high-stakes situations.

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