Security Deposit Return Letter
A security deposit return letter is a landlord's written accounting that returns the remaining deposit or explains lawful deductions after tenancy ends. Use this at move-out when returning all or part of a tenant's security deposit within the statutory deadline. It lists damages, cleaning, or unpaid rent with amounts and supporting references.
What's included
A ready-to-use security deposit return letter covering tenant forwarding address and lease reference, original deposit and move-out inspection date, itemized deductions with descriptions and costs, with signature fields already placed for Landlord and Tenant. Fill in the bracketed details (like [Company Name] or [Date]) using Docracy's built-in text editor, then send it out for signature.
This is a general template for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to review it for your specific situation and jurisdiction before use.
Key clauses
- Tenant forwarding address and lease reference
- Original deposit and move-out inspection date
- Itemized deductions with descriptions and costs
- Balance returned or amount still owed
- Deadline compliance statement
- Dispute contact and documentation offered
What you'll fill in
[Landlord Name][Tenant Name][Property Address][Original Deposit][Total Deductions][Amount Returned][Forwarding Address]Legal summary
Landlords must follow local rules on timing and itemization; wrongful withholding can expose them to penalties. Tenants may dispute improper deductions through small claims or housing agencies.
Free for up to 2 signers, no account required. Need unlimited? Flat $10/month.
FAQ
Is this Security Deposit Return Letter legally binding?
Signing through Docracy uses a simple electronic signature (SES), which is legally recognized for everyday business agreements under laws like the U.S. ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. This is a general template, not legal advice — for high-stakes or regulated agreements, have a qualified attorney review it for your situation.
Who needs to sign this Security Deposit Return Letter?
This template includes signature fields for Landlord and Tenant — already placed — plus 7 placeholder fields to fill in before you send it.
Can I edit this Security Deposit Return Letter before sending it?
Yes — Docracy's editor lets you edit the text, add or remove signature fields, redact sections, and reorder pages before you send it.
Do I need an account to send this Security Deposit Return Letter?
No — it's free for up to 2 signers with no account required. Create a free account only if you want to save it to a dashboard or reuse it later.
Try it with an AI assistant
Paste one of these into ChatGPT, Claude, or your assistant of choice:
“Fill returning $800 of a $1,500 deposit with $700 for carpet cleaning and wall repair.”
“Attach move-out photos reference in the itemization.”
“Explain deadline if tenant never provided a forwarding address.”
Why teams start with Docracy
“Docracy is a great product that I have tested and am using. It is easy to use, has good tools, is always up to date, and implements new features. Highly recommended.”— DACH Advisory
Free for up to 2 signers, no account required. Need unlimited? Flat $10/month.