This is a formal demand letter from a Tenant to Landlord demanding return of Tenant's security deposit after vacating the premises. This form informs Landlord that he/she has a limited number of days as permitted by state statutory law to refund Tenant's deposit or legal sanctions may ensue.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Notice of Failure to Return Security Deposit and Demand for Return Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address a concerning matter regarding the return of my security deposit [or specify any additional fees that were withheld without justification] for the property located at [Rental Property Address], which I vacated on [Move-out Date]. According to California Civil Code Section 1950.5, a landlord is required to return the tenant's security deposit within 21 days of the lease termination or the tenant's move-out date, whichever occurs last. Unfortunately, it has been [number of days/months] since the lease termination, and I have yet to receive my security deposit or a detailed written explanation of any deductions made. I have fulfilled all obligations outlined in the lease agreement, including [mention any additional responsibilities fulfilled such as proper notice of lease termination and completion of required cleaning, repairs, or key return]. Therefore, I kindly request that you promptly return my security deposit in full or provide a comprehensive itemized statement outlining the deductions, as required by California law. To avoid any misconceptions or misunderstandings, I have enclosed a copy of the move-in inspection report, which clearly documents the condition of the property upon my arrival. Alongside it, I have also attached a copy of my lease agreement, proof of payment for the security deposit, and supporting evidence of any additional fees that were unjustifiably withheld. If I do not receive a response within 10 business days from the date of receipt of this letter, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights as a tenant. Please understand that I prefer an amicable resolution and would like to avoid any unnecessary legal expenses for both parties involved. In the event of non-compliance with California laws regarding the return of security deposits, I may be entitled to damages of up to two times the amount of the unlawfully withheld deposit, as stated in Section 1950.5 of the California Civil Code. I strongly believe that this issue can be resolved mutually and in a timely manner. I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Please contact me at [your phone number] or via email at [your email address] to arrange for the return of my security deposit or provide a detailed explanation of any deductions made. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I anticipate a satisfactory resolution and look forward to your response within the stipulated timeframe. Sincerely, [Your Name][Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Notice of Failure to Return Security Deposit and Demand for Return Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address a concerning matter regarding the return of my security deposit [or specify any additional fees that were withheld without justification] for the property located at [Rental Property Address], which I vacated on [Move-out Date]. According to California Civil Code Section 1950.5, a landlord is required to return the tenant's security deposit within 21 days of the lease termination or the tenant's move-out date, whichever occurs last. Unfortunately, it has been [number of days/months] since the lease termination, and I have yet to receive my security deposit or a detailed written explanation of any deductions made. I have fulfilled all obligations outlined in the lease agreement, including [mention any additional responsibilities fulfilled such as proper notice of lease termination and completion of required cleaning, repairs, or key return]. Therefore, I kindly request that you promptly return my security deposit in full or provide a comprehensive itemized statement outlining the deductions, as required by California law. To avoid any misconceptions or misunderstandings, I have enclosed a copy of the move-in inspection report, which clearly documents the condition of the property upon my arrival. Alongside it, I have also attached a copy of my lease agreement, proof of payment for the security deposit, and supporting evidence of any additional fees that were unjustifiably withheld. If I do not receive a response within 10 business days from the date of receipt of this letter, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights as a tenant. Please understand that I prefer an amicable resolution and would like to avoid any unnecessary legal expenses for both parties involved. In the event of non-compliance with California laws regarding the return of security deposits, I may be entitled to damages of up to two times the amount of the unlawfully withheld deposit, as stated in Section 1950.5 of the California Civil Code. I strongly believe that this issue can be resolved mutually and in a timely manner. I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Please contact me at [your phone number] or via email at [your email address] to arrange for the return of my security deposit or provide a detailed explanation of any deductions made. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I anticipate a satisfactory resolution and look forward to your response within the stipulated timeframe. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.
