What to do first
Include your old rental address, move-out date, forwarding address, and a request for the deposit return or itemized statement.
Start with the Security Deposit Return RequestHow this guide was prepared
This guide is written to help readers handle a housing & landlord message with enough context to choose, customize, and send the right template.
- Prepared for the Housing & Landlord category, with links back to 9 related templates so readers can choose a matching format.
- Checked for practical include-and-avoid guidance, including 5 include points and 4 avoid points when available.
- Reviewed for cautious wording around records, policies, timing, and follow-up steps before a reader sends the message.
Read more about Simple Letter Templates or review the general-use disclaimer.
When to use this letter or template
- Use this guide when a landlord, tenant, or property manager needs a written record about request your security deposit back.
- Use it before sending a repair, payment, move-out, deposit, or follow-up request where dates and records may matter.
- Use it when you need practical wording without making lease or local-law claims you have not checked.
Email, portal, or online message
Use email, a tenant portal, or another lease-approved written method when you need a timestamped request and reply trail.
Printed letter or signed note
Use a printed or mailed letter when your lease, property manager, or local process requires physical notice or proof of delivery.
Before you send
Keep copies of the message, photos, receipts, portal confirmations, and replies together.
What to include and what to avoid
Include
- Rental address.
- Move-out date.
- Forwarding address.
- Deposit request.
- Preferred contact method.
Avoid
- Citing deadlines you have not checked.
- Combining deposit questions with unrelated disputes.
- Forgetting forwarding information.
- Sending without saving a copy.
Tone examples
Neutral
Include your old rental address, move-out date, forwarding address, and a request for the deposit return or itemized statement.
Polite
Dear Parker Rentals, I moved out of 214 Oak Street, Unit 3B on May 31. Please send the security deposit update or itemized statement to the forwarding address below.
Follow-up
Follow up after the lease, local process, or reasonable response window. Check applicable rules before referencing deadlines.
Situation-specific advice
First request
Describe observable facts, location, dates, access details, and the response you are asking for.
Follow-up
Reference the original request date and attach only the records needed to understand the open issue.
Formal notice
Check the lease, portal instructions, and local timing rules before adding legal language or deadlines.
Mistakes to avoid and next step
Mistakes to avoid
- Citing deadlines you have not checked.
- Combining deposit questions with unrelated disputes.
- Forgetting forwarding information.
- Sending without saving a copy.
FAQ
Can I copy the example exactly?
Yes, but replace names, dates, account details, and any wording that does not match your situation.
Should I print it or email it?
Use the channel the school, employer, landlord, office, or company accepts, and keep a dated copy.
Is this advice?
No. These guides provide general writing help only; rules, forms, deadlines, policies, and requirements can vary.