How long should I wait for a response?

Most jurisdictions require landlords to respond within 14–30 days. The letter sets a clear deadline so you can escalate if they ignore it.

Do I need an account to start?

No. You can fill out the form and generate a draft for free. You only pay when you want to unlock and download the final letter.

How much does it cost?

Downloading a letter is a flat $2 — any dispute type. Want it sent for you? $8 covers printing and USPS Certified Mail with tracking. Subscription plans are also available if you expect to send several letters.

Will this letter actually work?

A well-written, specific letter — citing the right rules and a clear desired outcome — dramatically increases your odds. We can't guarantee any particular result, but a real letter beats silence every time.

Housing

Security Deposit Demand

Demand a landlord return your deposit under state law.

Answer a few plain-English questions and we'll generate a professional letter addressed to your landlord — citing the right rules, in the right tone, ready to send. No account needed to start.

Most states allow 2–3x deposit as statutory damages
Creates the written demand required before small claims

STEP 1

Answer questions

A short guided form — about 3 minutes.

STEP 2

Create free account

Your first letter is on us — no credit card.

STEP 3

Download & send

PDF or DOCX, formatted and ready to mail.

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Housing

Security Deposit Demand

Question 1 of 813%

Who are you fighting?*

The person, company, or agency this letter is addressed to.

✓ Most states allow 2–3x deposit as statutory damages

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Live preview — updates as you type

[date]

[recipient name]
[recipient address]

Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit

Dear [recipient name]:

I vacated the premises on [move out date] and you have failed to return my security deposit of $[deposit amount] within the statutory timeframe.

Facts:
[facts]

Requested resolution:
[desired outcome]

If the full amount is not returned within fourteen (14) days of this letter, I will file a small-claims action seeking the deposit, statutory damages, and attorneys' fees as permitted under applicable state landlord-tenant law.

Sincerely,

[user full name]
[user address]

This is your live draft. When you finish the questions, our AI rewrites it into a polished, statute-cited letter — then you create a free account to save and download it.Your first letter is free. No credit card.

Frequently asked

How long should I wait for a response?: Most jurisdictions require landlords to respond within 14–30 days. The letter sets a clear deadline so you can escalate if they ignore it.
Do I need an account to start?: No. You can fill out the form and generate a draft for free. You only pay when you want to unlock and download the final letter.
How much does it cost?: Downloading a letter is a flat $2 — any dispute type. Want it sent for you? $8 covers printing and USPS Certified Mail with tracking. Subscription plans are also available if you expect to send several letters.
Will this letter actually work?: A well-written, specific letter — citing the right rules and a clear desired outcome — dramatically increases your odds. We can't guarantee any particular result, but a real letter beats silence every time.

Make your case stronger

Optional add-ons if your letter is ignored.

Follow-Up Letter$2

Second-round letter when your first demand is ignored.

Evidence Toolkit$3

Timeline builder, expense log, and exhibit checklist.

Full Fight Bundle$25

6 letters + 30-day pressure campaign: demand, follow-up, final notice, BBB complaint, AG complaint, and cease & desist.

Escalation Pack$5

Attorney Review$65

A licensed attorney reviews your demand letter and provides feedback within 48 hours.

Court Filing Kit$50

Pre-filled court forms, complaint template, evidence worksheet, and step-by-step filing instructions for your state.

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Dispute Engine is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents are for informational and self-help purposes only. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.