This form covers the subject matter described in the form's title for your State. This is a letter from the Tenant to Landlord containing notice of wrongful deductions from the security deposit anda demand for return. This form complies with state statutory law.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Notice of Wrongful Deductions from Security Deposit and Demand for Return Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to inform you of my grievances regarding the deductions made from my security deposit upon moving out of the rental property located at [Rental Property Address] in San Jose, California. As per the terms of our lease agreement and the California Civil Code, I believe that the deductions made were unjustified and demand the prompt return of my security deposit in full. Firstly, I would like to address the specific deductions made from my security deposit. In reviewing the itemized list provided, I have identified several questionable charges, specifically [list the deductions and their amount]. These deductions are in violation of California Civil Code Section 1950.5, which outlines the allowable reasons and amounts that can be deducted from a security deposit. I believe these deductions go beyond normal wear and tear and were made without just cause. I would like to draw your attention to the relevant laws that protect tenants' rights regarding security deposits in San Jose, California. California Civil Code Section 1950.5 requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized statement of deductions made from the security deposit within 21 days of the tenant vacating the property. It also states that landlords may only apply deductions for specific purposes, such as unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning beyond ordinary expectations. Upon thorough inspection and documentation, I have evidence to support that the deductions made were incorrect. I have attached copies of photographs taken during the move-out inspection, as well as receipts for professional cleaning services conducted prior to my departure. These documents clearly demonstrate that the condition in which I left the premises was in compliance with the lease agreement and did not warrant any of the deductions made. In light of the above, I am formally demanding the immediate return of my security deposit in full, totaling [ex]. Failure to comply with this demand within [reasonable timeframe, typically 14 days] will leave me no choice but to pursue legal actions, as provided by law, to protect my rights as a tenant. I am confident that such actions will result in an unfavorable outcome for you as the landlord. To resolve this matter amicably, I encourage you to reconsider the deductions and expedite the return of my security deposit. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and provide a detailed response within [reasonable timeframe, typically 7 days] indicating your intentions and your plans to return my security deposit. I would like to remind you that the laws regarding security deposits are in place to protect both landlords and tenants. I believe that a fair resolution can be reached, respecting our respective rights and obligations as stated in the lease agreement and California law. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I request you to treat this as an urgent issue and hope for your sincere cooperation in resolving this dispute. I trust that we can resolve this matter without the need for legal intervention, which will only serve to further prolong and complicate the situation. Furthermore, I can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email address] should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter further. Furthermore, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature] cc: [San Jose Rental Housing Authority] [Your Attorney (if applicable)][Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Notice of Wrongful Deductions from Security Deposit and Demand for Return Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to inform you of my grievances regarding the deductions made from my security deposit upon moving out of the rental property located at [Rental Property Address] in San Jose, California. As per the terms of our lease agreement and the California Civil Code, I believe that the deductions made were unjustified and demand the prompt return of my security deposit in full. Firstly, I would like to address the specific deductions made from my security deposit. In reviewing the itemized list provided, I have identified several questionable charges, specifically [list the deductions and their amount]. These deductions are in violation of California Civil Code Section 1950.5, which outlines the allowable reasons and amounts that can be deducted from a security deposit. I believe these deductions go beyond normal wear and tear and were made without just cause. I would like to draw your attention to the relevant laws that protect tenants' rights regarding security deposits in San Jose, California. California Civil Code Section 1950.5 requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized statement of deductions made from the security deposit within 21 days of the tenant vacating the property. It also states that landlords may only apply deductions for specific purposes, such as unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning beyond ordinary expectations. Upon thorough inspection and documentation, I have evidence to support that the deductions made were incorrect. I have attached copies of photographs taken during the move-out inspection, as well as receipts for professional cleaning services conducted prior to my departure. These documents clearly demonstrate that the condition in which I left the premises was in compliance with the lease agreement and did not warrant any of the deductions made. In light of the above, I am formally demanding the immediate return of my security deposit in full, totaling [ex]. Failure to comply with this demand within [reasonable timeframe, typically 14 days] will leave me no choice but to pursue legal actions, as provided by law, to protect my rights as a tenant. I am confident that such actions will result in an unfavorable outcome for you as the landlord. To resolve this matter amicably, I encourage you to reconsider the deductions and expedite the return of my security deposit. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and provide a detailed response within [reasonable timeframe, typically 7 days] indicating your intentions and your plans to return my security deposit. I would like to remind you that the laws regarding security deposits are in place to protect both landlords and tenants. I believe that a fair resolution can be reached, respecting our respective rights and obligations as stated in the lease agreement and California law. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I request you to treat this as an urgent issue and hope for your sincere cooperation in resolving this dispute. I trust that we can resolve this matter without the need for legal intervention, which will only serve to further prolong and complicate the situation. Furthermore, I can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email address] should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter further. Furthermore, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature] cc: [San Jose Rental Housing Authority] [Your Attorney (if applicable)]
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.