Unreturned Rental Deposit Kit

Five tools, in the order you'd actually need them — every one of them completely free to use.

This kit follows the real sequence of getting a withheld deposit back: document the property's condition and gather your evidence, track exactly how much is being withheld and the landlord's stated reason for each deduction, then send the formal demand letter. A demand backed by dated condition records and an itemized tally is much harder to ignore. Every tool in this kit is completely free to use — no account, no payment, no catch.

The sequence

Start with the condition report — ideally at move-in, at move-out at the latest. Evidence recorded at the time is far stronger than anything reconstructed once the dispute has started.

Step 1 · Document it

Record the property's condition

A room-by-room record of the property's condition at move-in and move-out, plus the checklists for the evidence you'll need and what to do before handing back the keys.

  1. 1Move-In / Move-Out Condition Report →
  2. 2Deposit Dispute Evidence Checklist →
  3. 3Moving Out Deposit Checklist →

Step 2 · Track it

Track what's withheld and why

Log the deposit amount, every deduction the landlord claims, the reason given for each, and your response — so you know exactly what you're disputing.

  1. 4Security Deposit Dispute Tracker →

Step 3 · Demand it back

Send the formal demand letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your deposit, challenging improper deductions and setting a clear deadline for payment. The main tool in this kit.

  1. 5Landlord Deposit Demand Letter →