Home › Tools › Property & Real Estate

Free Security Deposit Return Letter

Itemize deductions from a deposit and calculate the refund owed to the tenant.

Itemize deductions from a deposit and calculate the refund owed to the tenant. Fill in the fields, check the live preview and download a PDF.

How to use the Security Deposit Return Letter

  1. Enter the names, the property address and the key dates and amounts. Each field has a realistic example.
  2. Check the wording in the live preview and add any extra section the situation needs. Optional fields can be left empty.
  3. Download the PDF, print it or send it, then have it signed and keep a copy with the lease.

What is the Security Deposit Return Letter?

When a tenant moves out, the landlord must account for the security deposit. This letter lists the deposit, each deduction with its cost and the refund, and calculates the total for you.

Signplify tools run in your browser, so there is no signup, no watermark and no limit on how often you use it.

Getting started with the Security Deposit Return Letter

Using the security deposit return letter takes a minute or two. Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can come back later.

Tips for better results

List each deduction with its cost and keep photos and receipts.

Do not deduct for normal wear and tear. Painting after a long tenancy is usually a cost of doing business for the landlord.

Privacy and where your data goes

Documents and files you use here are processed on your own device. Signplify does not receive what you type or the files you open, which makes it suitable for sensitive information. If you clear your browser data, any saved draft is removed.

Frequently asked questions

What can a landlord deduct from a deposit?

Usually unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear and cleaning needed to restore the condition at move-in. Local law sets the details.

When must the deposit be returned?

The deadline depends on local law, commonly between 14 and 60 days after move-out. Missing it can lead to penalties in some places.

What details do I need to fill in for the security deposit return letter?

The form asks for Landlord, Tenant, Property Address, Letter Date, Move-Out Date, Deposit Held, Deductions (one per line: description: amount) and Send Refund To. Interest or other additions and Note are optional and can be left blank. Everything starts with example text, so replace it with your own and check the preview as you type.

Can I add my own clauses or notes to the security deposit return letter?

Yes. Use the Extra sections box in the form to add a heading and your own text. It is placed before the signature lines and appears in the PDF, PNG and printed copy. Empty sections are ignored.

Can I change how the security deposit return letter looks?

Yes. Under Customize design you can change the font, text color, accent color, heading style and header alignment. Page setup lets you choose A4, US Letter or A5, portrait or landscape, and margins. Longer documents continue onto a new page automatically.

Can I sign the security deposit return letter on screen?

Yes. Open Sign this document, draw, type or upload your signature, then drag it onto the signature line and resize it. If someone else also has to sign, download the PDF and they can add their signature with the Sign PDF tool.

Is the security deposit return letter legal advice?

No. The Security Deposit Return Letter produces a general document from the details you enter. Laws differ by state, province and country, so check the rules that apply to you and have a qualified professional review anything important before you rely on it.

Related Property & Real Estate tools