How to Write a Letter to Landlord About Your Security Deposit

Are you preparing to leave your rental unit and need to get your security deposit back? Getting a security deposit back isn't always easy. In fact, some landlords have strict rules in place that don't allow tenants to get their security deposit back, even once the tenant has vacated the property. In some instances, the contract allows tenants to get their security deposit back, but the landlord may give the tenant a hard time.

Here at DoNotPay, we know how difficult it can be to get your security deposit back, but we're here to help. Read on if you would like to learn how to and how DoNotPay is the easiest and fastest solution.

Sample Demand Letter for Requesting Your Security Deposit

If your landlord is refusing to give you your security deposit back, one of the best ways to get your landlord to respond is by writing a demand letter. A demand letter is a formal way to communicate with your landlord and is an effective way to document your communication. If you choose to write a demand letter, there are a few important things to include:

Thoroughly express why you're writing a demand letter.
Always include a date for your letter to track communication.
Include laws regarding security deposits.

Writing a Sample Demand Letter

Dear [Landlord Name],

I am writing this letter to formally request that you return my security deposit in the amount of $______. I officially left my rental unit at [rental address] on [insert move out date]. The rental unit was left in excellent condition and was acknowledged by you when we conducted the final walkthrough. According to UK law, landlords must return tenants' security deposits within 10 days of the agreed-upon amount in the contract.

You have exceeded the deadline by [insert date]. Please forward my security deposit funds to the following address within [X] days:

[Insert Forwarding Address]

If I do not receive these funds within the specified timeframe, I will be forced to take legal action. If you would like to discuss this situation in more detail, you can contact me by phone at [insert phone number] or you can send me an email at [email address].

UK Deposit Laws

In the UK, landlords must return security deposits within 10 days at the end of your tenancy. The landlord must return the amount that was agreed upon, which should be specified in your contract.

What Happens if a Landlord Refuses to Return a Deposit?

If the landlord refuses to give back the security deposit unlawfully, the tenant has the right to take further action, such as filing legal action or going through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The TDS is a government-approved scheme for the protection of tenant deposits. TDS also provides fair adjudication for disputes.

Can you Request a Security Deposit Before Tenancy Ends?

Tenants cannot request their security deposit back before the tenancy period has ended. Tenants can only request their security deposit once they have left the rental unit.

How to Make a Complaint Against a Landlord

Do you need to make a complaint against a landlord? Unfortunately, some landlords make it difficult for tenants to receive their security deposit, even if the tenant has followed all the appropriate protocols. If you would like to make a complaint, there are a few options that you have.

Complain Directly to Your Landlord	Although not always advertised, most landlords have a complaint policy that tenants can follow. Speak with your landlord about their complaint policy and begin to move forward accordingly.
Complain to a Designated Person	If you are having a hard time resolving issues with your landlord on your own, you may need to complain to a designated person. This person may be your MP, local councillor, or a tenant panel.
Complain to Local Authorities	If you've tried complaining to your landlord directly, and you've complained to a designated person, the next step you can try is reaching out to the local authorities.

If you plan to complain about your security deposit, whether it be direct to your landlord, to a designated person, or to the local authorities, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Your complaint will only be valid if your tenancy is over.
You must ensure that you have not violated any terms that would compromise your security deposit.
For the best results, provide as much detail and proof as possible.

Successfully Write a Demand Letter Using DoNotPay

Do you need help from your landlord? Writing an effective demand letter that includes all the right words that encourage movement can be difficult. Luckily, DoNotPay is here to help. If you don't have the time or don't understand how to write a demand letter, DoNotPay has you covered. In fact, DoNotPay can help you with a variety of issues, such as:

If you need a letter for your security deposit, all you need to do is:

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.