How to Request a Security Deposit Refund from Your Landlord before Moving Out

Jenna Marie reports:

"You are entitled to get your security deposit refunded from your landlord, assuming you met all the requirements for moving out. This includes giving proper notice and leaving the rental property clean and undamaged...A deposit letter to a landlord must clearly state why the security deposit must be refunded to you. Once you've written the letter, remember to keep a signed copy for yourself...Place the date, the landlord's full name and his address at the top of the letter. If the landlord has a business address for property management purposes, use that address instead of a home address. Add a simple salutation...Let the landlord know that you were a tenant at his rental property, by giving the property address and the exact dates for when you lived there. Remind the landlord that you gave proper notice when you vacated the rental unit and left it clean and in good condition...Point out that you have not yet received your deposit refund...In lieu of a deposit refund, landlords must furnish an itemized list of damages, plus copies of receipts for repairs and cleaning. Mention that you have received neither of these...Write that you would like to avoid legal proceedings to recover the deposit money and that he can send funds to your new address. Provide the new address in the letter. State that you should receive the funds within 10 days or you will have no choice but to take the next step toward recovering your deposit...Sign your name to the letter, then make a copy for your records. Send the letter through certified mail so you can ensure the landlord received it and verify what day it was delivered. These documents are important if you end up in small claims court...Consider including copies of photos of the rental property right after you moved out, or include copies of witness statements that state you left the property in good condition...If the landlord still won't refund your deposit, even after receiving this letter, you will need to file a claim in small claims court. Prepare to prove that you left the apartment in good condition and the landlord has no reason to keep your deposit."