SAMPLE LETTER DEMANDING RETURN OF DEPOSIT

Date: _________________________

Mr./Ms.: ______________________

Address: ______________________

City: _________________________

RE: DEMAND FOR RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT

Dear Mr./Ms. _____________________:

On __________________, ______, I moved into ________________________________________________________. When I moved in I paid $____________ in deposits. I did / did not receive a receipt. A copy is / is not attached.

I vacated the premises on _________________, ______. I have not received a refund of my security deposit. California law, Civil Code §1950.5, says that a landlord must return security deposits within three weeks after the tenant moves. The only lawful deductions that can be made from the deposit are those needed to pay for any rent owed, unless the rent was waived; for cleaning; and for repairs, not including damage caused by the ordinary wear and tear of the property.

When I left my home/apartment, it was clean and in good repair. Therefore, under the law I am entitled to a full refund of my deposit. I am now making a demand for the return of my security deposit. If I do not receive my money within 10 days, I will regard your keeping my deposit as bad faith and will pursue my right to sue you for the deposit and also for $600 in punitive damages (bad faith damages) as allowed by law.

The prompt return of my deposit will make court action unnecessary. Please mail the deposit to me at the address provided below.

Sincerely,

Name: ________________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: __________________________________