Dec 15, 2025
Written by
Kai-Rhie Terry
Attorney Reviewed by
Daniel Ruskin on December 15, 2025
Start With a Demand Letter
When your landlord doesn’t return your security deposit, it can feel unfair. In most cases, that money is yours and landlords are only allowed to keep it for specific legal reasons. A demand letter is how you formally ask for your money back and set a deadline for a response.
The first step isn’t court if your landlord won’t return your security deposit - it’s a demand letter. Consider it the last time you'll reach out before starting legal action. A demand letter is a way for you to formally demand that your landlord return your security deposit. Whether your landlord has charged you for repairs you disagree with, or they have ghosted you entirely - a well-written demand letter is the first step toward getting justice. Most states expect or require renters to send a written demand before filing in small claims, and judges like seeing that you tried to resolve the issue first before going to court.
What Makes a Strong Demand Letter
A good demand letter is short, clear, and factual. You don’t need legal jargon. You just need the basics: your name, the address you rented, your move out date, how much of your deposit you’re owed, and the reason you’re requesting it. You should also reference your state’s deadline for most renters, that’s around 2–4 weeks for landlords to return the deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Be direct if your landlord failed to meet the deadline or provided charges that were unclear or excessive. You want to present factual evidence, highlighting exactly what the landlord neglected.
Some states have a standard form for a demand letter. Here’s a link to Utah’s form!
Set a Firm Deadline and Keep It Professional
Make sure you set a firm deadline for the landlord to respond. 10 days is common, but some states might need you to wait a certain amount of time.* Make it clear that if your deposit isn’t returned by that date, you’ll file a claim in small claims court. Keep a calm, professional tone and always send the letter using a method that provides proof of delivery, such as certified mail. That timestamp allows you to prove that your landlord received your demand letter before court.
Why a Demand Letter Often Works
A demand letter often gets results because it shows you know your rights and you’re prepared to enforce them. Suing your landlord can work, but it isn’t always quick or easy. Small claims cases require paperwork, evidence, and time in court. There also may be upfront costs, and you’ll need strong documentation like photos and your lease. If you win your case, getting the landlord to actually pay you can still take time. Because of this, many renters send a formal demand letter before moving forward with a lawsuit. If the landlord remains uncooperative, you’ll already have everything you need to take the next step.
Get Help Sending a Demand Letter
Sign up here for only $30 to send your landlord an attorney signed demand letter. An attorney signed demand letter shows your landlord that a lawyer has reviewed the issue and that legal action is a real next step if the problem isn’t resolved. This extra credibility usually gets landlords to respond quickly.
*In Utah, if the landlord does not respond to the notice within 5 business days you can sue them in small claims court.