Security Deposit Letter

This letter can be used when a landlord fails to return a security deposit. If a landlord plans to deduct money from the security deposit, they must send an itemized list of deductions to the tenant within 30 days of the tenant vacating the apartment. If they fail to do so, the tenant is entitled to have the entire deposit returned, plus interest. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 45 days of the tenant vacating the apartment, the tenant may pursue a lawsuit, which if successful would oblige the landlord to pay the full deposit plus interest as well as damages to the tenant equal to double the full deposit plus interest. The landlord would also be responsible for paying the tenant’s court and legal fees. Interest owed by the landlord is based on the rate set by the city the year for the year in which the lease was signed, and does not compound.