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Security Deposit Itemization Letter

A landlord's itemized statement for a tenant after move-out, listing each deposit deduction with its reason, lease clause, evidence and cost, and the refund.

Free download  ·  No account needed  ·  Part of the Security Deposit Itemization Letter, with the Deduction Ledger

About this document

A security deposit itemization letter is a landlord's statement, sent after a tenant moves out, that lists each deduction from the security deposit with its reason and cost and shows the refund or balance due. Many states require a written itemized statement before a landlord keeps any part of a deposit.

Send a security deposit itemization letter whenever you deduct anything, and compare the move-out condition with the signed move-in condition checklist. If the tenant disputes the charges, reply with a security deposit dispute response. State law sets the return deadline, the delivery method, whether receipts must be enclosed and whether interest is owed, so check your state's rules before sending.

How to fill it in

  1. Collect your records. Gather the lease, the signed move-in checklist, move-out photos, invoices or estimates, and the rent ledger. Note the tenant's forwarding address and the date the keys came back.
  2. Fill in the summary. Enter the deposit, any interest your state or city requires, the total deductions and the refund or balance. Name your state's security deposit law where the letter asks for it.
  3. Itemize each deduction. Give each charge its own row with the item, reason, lease clause, evidence and amount. Charge only for unpaid rent, extra cleaning and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
  4. Explain how you decided. Describe the move-in and move-out inspections, who did the repairs, and the items you left uncharged as normal wear and tear, so the tenant can see each charge is fair.
  5. Send it before the deadline. Deliver the letter, any refund and the exhibits by the method and deadline your state sets, and keep proof of the date. In some states a late statement costs you the right to deduct.
Security Deposit Itemization Letter

Itemized Statement of Security Deposit


[Landlord or management company name]
[Mailing address]
[Phone] | [Email]

[Date of this letter]

Sent by [delivery method, e.g. first-class mail, certified mail or email] to:
[Tenant's full name, and every other tenant on the lease]
[Forwarding address the tenant gave you]

Dear [Tenant's name],

Your tenancy at [Rental property address and unit] ended on [End date of tenancy], and you returned the keys on [Move-out date]. This is the itemized statement of your security deposit under [State statute on security deposits]. It lists each deduction, its reason and the amount [refunded to you / still owed].

[Send this within your state's deadline, which may run from move-out or from the end of the tenancy.]

Summary

Amount

Security deposit paid on [Date deposit was paid]

$[Amount]

Interest on the deposit, if your state or city requires it

$[Amount, or 0.00]

Total held

$[Amount]

Total deductions (itemized below)

-$[Amount]

Refund to you or Balance you owe

$[Amount]

Itemized deductions

#

Item and location

Reason

Lease clause

Evidence

Amount

1

[e.g. Carpet, bedroom 2]

[Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, e.g. pet stains]

[Section __]

[Photos 4-7, invoice #__]

$[Amount]

2

[e.g. Unpaid rent]

[Rent for period]

[Section __]

[Rent ledger]

$[Amount]

3

[Item]

[Reason]

[Section __]

[Evidence]

$[Amount]

Total deductions

$[Amount]

Each amount comes from the enclosed Deduction Ledger, which shows the cost of the repair or cleaning and any reduction for the item's age.

[Charge only for unpaid rent, cleaning beyond the condition at move-in, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and anything else your lease and state law allow. Never charge for normal aging, such as faded paint or light carpet wear.]

How the charges were determined

  • Condition at move-in: [Date of move-in inspection, and the signed checklist and photos that record it.]

  • Condition at move-out: [Date of move-out inspection, who was present, and the photos taken.]

  • Repairs and cleaning: [Who did the work and when, and whether each amount is an invoice, a receipt or an estimate. If work is unfinished, say when final invoices will follow.]

  • Not charged: [Items you inspected but did not charge because they are normal wear and tear, e.g. small nail holes in the living room.]

Refund or balance due

[If a refund:] A [check / electronic payment] for $[Amount] is [enclosed / sent on Date by Method].

[If a balance is due:] The deductions exceed the deposit by $[Amount]. Please pay this balance by [Date] by [Payment method].

If you disagree with any charge, write to me at the address above by [Date] and include any photos or records you have. I will review them and reply in writing.

Enclosures

  • Exhibit A: Move-in and move-out inspection reports

  • Exhibit B: Photographs, numbered and dated

  • Exhibit C: Invoices, receipts or estimates for each repair and cleaning charge

  • Exhibit D: Rent ledger [if deducting unpaid rent]

  • Deduction Ledger

[Some states require copies of invoices or receipts, specific wording, or a particular delivery method. Check your state's rule before sending.]

Sincerely,

[Signature]
[Your name]
[Owner / Property manager], [Company]


[This template is a drafting aid, not legal advice. Deposit rules vary by state and sometimes by city. Delete this note before sending.]

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