Sample Letter: Demanding Return of Security Deposit
(DATE)
Dear (Landlord's Name),
It has been more than 30 days since the end of my tenancy. During this time, you have neither returned my deposit nor given me an itemized list of deductions from my deposit. According to state law, if you do not do one of these things within 30 days, you forfeit any claim on my deposit. Also, according to the law, if you do not settle this with me within 45 days of the date I moved out, I can take you to Small Claims Court and sue for double the amount of my deposit.
Unless you return my deposit in full in the next two weeks, I will have no other choice but to file in Small Claims Court for double the amount of my deposit. I hope this will not be necessary.
Sincerely,
Name(s)
Former tenants at: (previous address)
Current address:
For more information on writing sample letters to resolve problems with your landlord you can view other articles on this site: Sample Letter 1: Withholding Rent, Sample Letter 2: Demanding Repairs, Sample Letter 4: Disputing A Late Fee, Sample Letter 5: Disputing Deductions From Security Deposit, and Sample Letter 6: Negotiating A Rent Reduction as Compensation.
To learn more about housing rights in Michigan and where to get help:
Consult the Michigantenants.org website for local housing resources and tenant counseling services.
Consult the Michiganlegalaid.org website for legal education articles and local service information.
If you received court papers or otherwise need free or low cost legal advice:
This article appears courtesy of the Michigan Tenants Counseling Program.