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What to Include in the Demand Letter
- Names and addresses of the tenant and landlord.
- Date the letter is written.
- Move-in and move-out dates.
- Amount of the unpaid security deposit.
- Legal return deadline and applicable state law.
- A clear request for the return of the deposit.
- Mailing address where the landlord should send payment.
Security Deposit Return Laws
- Return Deadline – Landlords must do one of the following within 30 days after the tenancy ends[1]:
- Pay back the full security deposit; or
- Give the tenant a written, itemized list of damages along with the remaining balance after deductions.
- Legal Penalties – If the landlord wrongfully withholds part or all of the deposit, the tenant can sue for twice the amount wrongfully withheld.[2]
Sample
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[TENANT NAME]
[TENANT ADDRESS]
[TENANT CONTACT INFO]
Date: [DATE]
[LANDLORD NAME]
[LANDLORD BUSINESS NAME (IF APPLICABLE)]
[LANDORD ADDRESS]
Re: Return of Security Deposit
Dear [LANDLORD NAME],
I lived at [RENTAL PROPERTY ADDRESS] from [START DATE] to [END DATE]. Upon entering into the lease agreement, I placed a security deposit in the amount of $[AMOUNT] with you.
In accordance with Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(3), you are required to return the deposit within 30 days from the termination of the lease.
YOU ARE NOW BEYOND THE STATE LIMIT FOR RETURNING THE DEPOSIT.
Therefore, please send payment as soon as possible to the following address: [DEPOSIT RETURN ADDRESS].
Sincerely,
________________________
[TENANT NAME]