How do I ask for a refundable deposit back?

Asked by: Dr. Dawson Buckridge Jr.  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (29 votes)

To ask for your refundable deposit back, send a formal, written demand letter with your forwarding address, referencing your lease and local laws, and include move-out documentation like photos, ideally sent via certified mail to create a paper trail, then follow up with small claims court if needed. Start with a polite request, but be prepared to escalate to formal letters and legal action if your landlord is unresponsive or unfairly withholds funds.

How to politely ask for a deposit back?

Attempt resolution: Politely explain your position, mentioning the expenses incurred due to the cancellation. Offer a compromise: You could offer to return half of the deposit, considering the inconvenience you faced. Be empathetic: Acknowledge the tenant's situation, but clarify your financial losses.

How do you get your refundable deposit back?

Steps to getting your security deposit back

  1. Understand your lease agreement. ...
  2. Document the apartment's condition at move-in. ...
  3. Give proper written notice. ...
  4. Repair and clean before moving out. ...
  5. Take move-out photos. ...
  6. Return all keys and passes. ...
  7. Request a walk-through inspection. ...
  8. Provide a forwarding address.

How to request a deposit refund?

You'll need to contact your landlord at the end of your tenancy and ask them for your deposit. If your home is managed by a letting agency, you'll need to contact them instead. It's best to write or email when you ask for your deposit back - if you do, you'll have a record of when you asked for it.

How to write a letter asking for security deposit back?

What to Include in a Security Deposit Demand Letter

  1. the address of your rental and the dates you rented from.
  2. how much you paid for a security deposit.
  3. why you are entitled to a return of a portion or all of the deposit.
  4. the state laws that require a return of the deposit in a timely manner.

How to get your tenancy deposit back: 3 top tips (UK)

25 related questions found

How do I write an application for a refund of security deposit?

APPLICATION FOR REFUND OF THE HOSTEL SECURITY DEPOSIT

  1. (TO BE APPLIED FOR WITHIN 180 DAYS OF VACATING THE HOSTEL) ...
  2. The Chief Warden (Hostels) ...
  3. Subject:- Request for refund of security deposit. ...
  4. I ________________________, son/daughter/wife of _______________________, ...
  5. Kindly refund the security of amount Rs.

How do you email asking for deposit back?

I am writing concerning the deposit of [deposit amount] I paid to you on [date] as a security against my obligations under the terms of my tenancy agreement. I wrote to you on [add date] to request that you refund the full amount of my deposit to me within 10 days. To date, my deposit has not been refunded.

How do you politely ask for a refund back?

To politely ask for a refund, be direct, clear, and courteous, stating the issue and desired outcome (refund) upfront with key details like order numbers and dates, while having documentation ready and remaining calm, allowing the other party to help you. Frame it as a problem to solve, not a confrontation, and be open to compromise, but firm about wanting a refund if needed.
 

Do you legally have to refund a deposit?

By law, deposits are generally refundable if the supplier fails to deliver goods/services or if both parties agree, but they become non-refundable if the buyer breaches the contract (e.g., backs out), acting as security for performance, though specific rules vary by type (like security deposits for rentals) and jurisdiction, requiring clear contract terms. 

How to write a letter to refund a deposit?

A security deposit return letter should include:

  1. Tenant details (name, rental property address)
  2. Lease information (start and end dates)
  3. Original security deposit amount.
  4. Itemized deductions (if applicable, with descriptions and costs)
  5. Final refund amount and payment method.

What are examples of refundable deposits?

Example: Suppose you're renting space for your municipality for the upcoming year. The monthly rent is $2,000, and the landlord requires a security deposit equal to a month of rent. The $2,000 security deposit is refundable and will be returned to the city if the city maintains the space during its time there.

What is the procedure for refund of security deposit?

Security deposits are returned by landlords after a tenant moves out, typically within a state-specific timeframe (e.g., 30 days), by sending the balance (minus deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning) to the tenant's forwarding address, along with an itemized list of any deductions if funds are withheld. Key steps involve tenants providing a forwarding address, landlords inspecting the property for damages (not normal wear), documenting costs, and adhering to state laws on timelines and deductions. 

Can I change my mind after paying a deposit?

If you've agreed to rent the apartment and paid a deposit, the contract has been agreed. If you pull out, the agent can likely keep the deposit, and you may still be on the hook for rent depending on what exactly was agreed before you paid.

How to ask for a refund without sounding rude?

Contact the business.

  1. Be clear with your complaint. State why you are unhappy. ...
  2. Also state you want a refund. The company might try to give you something else, such as store credit, if you aren't clear.
  3. Realize that the first person you speak to might not be able to help you.

What is a good sentence for deposit?

"deposit" Example Sentences

My monthly paycheck gets directly deposited into my bank account. You should deposit your extra cash at the bank. She is depositing her paycheck in the bank.

When can I ask for my deposit back?

When you leave, if you and your landlord or agent both agree on how much of the deposit you should get back, you should get it back within ten days of agreeing. If your deposit was held in a custodial scheme, you will also receive some interest on the deposit.

What makes a deposit non-refundable?

For a non-refundable deposit (or a liquidated damages clause) to be valid, it needs to be reasonable and proportional to the damage suffered by the party at the time of the contract. Also, many types of popular security deposits are regulated by law and often fully refundable.

Do companies legally have to give you a refund?

Generally speaking, when you buy goods you enter into a legally binding contract and you have no right to return them for a refund. However, there are circumstances where a right to return goods may arise.

Are deposits non-refundable by law?

Non-refundable deposits are allowed when a buyer is aware of the fee prior to signing the contract. The fee should also not be an 'unfair' contract term. The non-refundable deposit should be in proportion to the business' costs and time and not penalise the buyer as being 'unfair'.

What's a good reason to request a refund?

Did not meet expectations: Something about the product does not meet the customer's expectations; for instance, the quality, features, price-to-value ratio, etc.

How do you respectfully ask for money back?

Tips when asking for your money back

  1. Be direct and honest: Don't beat around the bush. ...
  2. Be understanding: If your friend struggles to repay you, offer to work out a payment plan to give them some extra time.
  3. Set a deadline: When you ask for money back it's important to set a deadline for repayment.

How do I write a letter requesting a refund?

I am requesting a refund/waiver of the fees for invoice (number), dated (date), for (reason for invoiced service or test). Should you have any queries regarding this request, please contact me on [insert number], [email address], or via post at [postal address].

How do you politely ask for a deposit back?

To write a deposit letter, start with a formal greeting and state your request for the return of your deposit. Include details like the rental address, move-out date, and a reference to relevant laws, and politely set a deadline for the deposit's return.

How do you politely ask for a refund?

To politely ask for a refund, be direct, clear, and courteous, stating the issue and desired outcome (refund) upfront with key details like order numbers and dates, while having documentation ready and remaining calm, allowing the other party to help you. Frame it as a problem to solve, not a confrontation, and be open to compromise, but firm about wanting a refund if needed.
 

How to write an application for refund of security deposit?

I also giving undertaking that I will pay the due amount if any found at any later stage against me. Kindly refund the security of amount Rs. _________ paid by me vide receipt no. _________ dated ___________.