Free tool · 50 states & DC
Ask for your deposit back, in writing.
A letter that states the facts, cites the statute your state actually wrote, and asks for a response by a specific date. Landlords take paper more seriously than texts.
Fill in your state, name, rental address, deposit and move-out date. The letter writes itself, citing your state's statute.
Before you send it
- Read every line. Change anything that doesn't match your situation — this is a draft you send under your own name.
- Send it certified mail with return receipt, and keep a copy. Proof that you asked, and when, is worth as much as the letter itself.
- Statute text was last verified 2026-07-10. Laws change and cities add their own rules — check your lease and local ordinances.
- Not sure whether your landlord is late? Check the deadline for your state.
Moovproof provides general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. For advice on your situation, consult a tenant attorney or your local legal aid office.