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Guide · Landlords and tenants
How to ask for your security deposit back
A clear, documented request is easier to act on. Here’s how to write one.
Ask in writing
Send a text or email with your new address, so there’s a record and they know where to send it.
Give the facts
Your move-out date, the deposit amount and when you handed back the keys.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayWhere’s my deposit?? It’s been forever. Pay up.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Pay up” and “forever” are a demand. The date, the keys and $1,200 make a clear request.
What might land betterI moved out on May 31 and returned the keys that day. Could you let me know when my $1,200 deposit will be returned?
Describe the unit’s condition
If you took photos when you moved out, mention them. Facts are easier to agree on than memories.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayThe place was perfect.
Porcupine · The behavior, not the person“The place was perfect” is your word against theirs. Photos from move-out day show it.
What might land betterI’ve attached photos of each room from move-out day.
If they keep some of it, ask why
Ask for a list of the deductions before assuming the worst.
Check before assuming ›What you might want to sayYou’re just trying to keep my money.
Porcupine · Actions, not motives“Just trying to keep my money” accuses before you’ve seen the list. Asking for it, item by item, gets you the facts.
What might land betterCould you send a list of the deductions and what each was for?
Question a charge calmly
If a charge seems wrong, say which one and why, without sarcasm.
Respect, even when angry ›What you might want to say$300 for cleaning? Are you kidding me?
Porcupine · No sarcasm, insults or contempt“Are you kidding me?” is sarcasm. Naming the charge, pointing to the photos and asking what was cleaned questions it on the facts.
What might land betterThe $300 cleaning charge seems high, since the photos show the unit clean. Could you tell me what was cleaned?
Look for a fair middle
If it’s a gray area, like ordinary wear, offering to split a cost can settle it.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayI’m not paying a cent.
Porcupine · Show you’re open“Not a cent” leaves nothing to discuss. Calling it normal use, and offering to meet halfway, gives you both a way to settle.
What might land betterThe carpet wear looks like normal use to me. Would you meet me halfway on that charge?
If they don’t respond, or won’t return it
Rules on deposits and deadlines vary by place. A local tenant rights office can tell you what your options are.
Safety first ›
The common mistake
Not documenting move-out
Without photos or a written record, it’s your memory against theirs. Photos of each room on the last day, and copies of every message, make the conversation much easier.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThere was damage.
You could sayCould you send photos and a list of what was damaged? I’d like to understand it.
If they sayI’m still working on it.
You could sayThanks. Could you give me a date when I can expect it?
If they sayCleaning took longer than expected.
You could sayI understand. My photos show the unit clean, so I’d like to talk about that charge.
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayIt’s been a month. Where is my deposit?? I left the place spotless and you know it.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Where is my deposit??” and “you know it” are a demand and a charge. Dates, the amount, a request for any deductions and photos give them what they need to answer.
What might land betterI moved out on May 31 and returned the keys that day. Could you let me know when my $1,200 deposit will be returned, or send a list of any deductions? I’ve attached photos from move-out day. My new address is below.
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit?
It depends on where you live. Look up the deadline for your state, province or city, or ask a local tenant rights office.
What counts as normal wear and tear?
Usually things like faded paint, small nail holes or carpet worn from everyday living. Damage beyond that may be deducted. The rules vary by place.
What if they don’t reply?
Send a follow-up that mentions the date of your first request. If there’s still no answer, a local tenant rights office can tell you what to do next.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).