To increase the chances of getting your security deposit back, take these steps:

Before You Turn In Your Keys:

After you’ve removed all your belongings, sweep the floors, clean the kitchen, repair any marks or other minor problems you’ve caused, remove all your trash, and then invite the landlord to inspect the unit with you. After the inspection, ask the landlord to give you a note right then stating that the unit is in good condition; note any exceptions or disputed items.

If the landlord won’t inspect the unit with you, or won’t give you a note acknowledging that the unit is in good condition, then take pictures of each room, pictures showing that the room is clear, clean and not damaged. Also photograph the stove and refrigerator, inside and out. Try to get a friend to tour the unit with you, also, as a witness to its good condition.

Right After You Turn In Your Keys:

Right away, after you move and turn in your keys, send your (former) landlord a letter (sample attached) giving your forwarding address and requesting the return of your deposit. Keep a copy of your letter, and mail the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you get proof the landlord got it.

Once the landlord gets your letter, it will have 30 days either (A) to return your security deposit in full (unless you owe rent), or (B) to send you written notice of any damages that it claims you caused for which it wants to keep your deposit.

If the landlord does not answer your letter, in writing, within 30 days, then it cannot keep your deposit (or any part of it) on account of alleged damages. If the landlord does send you a written list of alleged damages within 30 days, and you disagree with the landlord’s list, or if the landlord does not respond to your letter, you probably will have to sue the landlord in Small Claims Court.

After you’ve taken these steps, if you still haven’t gotten your deposit back, you may contact CLS for more advice.

Example:

__________________________ (Former landlord’s name)
__________________________________ (His/her/company address)
__________________________ (City, State and ZIP code)
Dear Sir or Madam:
On ____________________________ (date of move) I moved out of the
unit I formerly rented from you, located at ____________________________
(address of unit). I took with me all my belongings, and I left the unit in the
same condition as it was in when I first moved into it, except for ordinary
wear and tear.
Therefore, I am writing to ask you to return my entire security deposit of
$_______________. Please mail it to me at my new address, which is:
______________________________ (Your name)
______________________________ (Your new address)
______________________________ (City, State and ZIP).
I will expect to receive my deposit within 30 days. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Date Sent: ____________ ________________________ (Your signature)
Certified Mail No. _________________ (Fill in number from Postal Receipt); Return receipt requested. (Keep a copy of this letter for your records.