Security Deposit Demand Letter - for Los Angeles residents only *Prosperity for All*

The following letter has saved me a great deal of time, money and anguish. It appears here as a template for you to cut & paste your information. Please note: I have used this letter in Los Angeles *only* and cannot speak to the validity of the statute to other cities and counties.

*Via Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation

Date

A.S.O.P here (Agent for Service of Process)&/or Apt Mgr.

Address Here

City, STATE, Zip Code

RE: Security Deposit

Dear (Agent for Service of Process),

In accordance with California Civil Code §1950.5, I hereby demand
the return of my security deposit of $0000.00 minus reasonable
fees, immediately upon receipt of this correspondence. Payment, an
itemized statement indicating the basis for and amount of any
deductions, and documentation of charges incurred and deducted from
the security deposit should be sent to the address listed below, as
required under the provisions of Civil Code §§1950.5(g)(1) and
1950.5(g)(2).

Civil Code §1950.5(g)(1) requires that a refund of a security
deposit, less reasonable charge evidenced by an itemized statement
and documentation of charges, be sent to a tenant no less than 21
calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises. As you are
aware, I vacated the apartment at (Enter Address Here), on (Enter
date here). Accordingly, pursuant to the express provisions of the
Civil Code, a refund of my security deposit was due to me on or
before (Enter date here).

I have enclosed for your reference the following:

1) [date of letter] letter requesting an inspection to assess any
damages or repairs needed prior to moving and an itemized statement
indicating deductions from my security deposit.

2) Photocopy of a cashiers check or check for (Enter amount here),
which included the $000.00 security.

The retention of my security deposit and the failure to provide an
itemized statement of charges is clear evidence of bad faith on
your part. Accordingly, if I have not received my deposit, an
itemized statement, and appropriate documentation by (Enter Date
here), I will file a claim for the (Enter amount here), statutory
damages under Civil Code §1950.5(l) equal to 200% of the security
deposit, attorney’s fees, and costs.

Your anticipated cooperation and prompt response is appreciated.

Sincerely,

(Your name here)

Address

Los Angeles, CA (Enter Zip Code)

(Your Phone Number)

Encl: (30-day notice form to vacate premises or any written notice)
(Copy of check or cashier’s check)
Right to inspection letter

*A copy of this letter was also hand delivered to (Enter name of
apartment manager) (enter Address including drop box), Los Angeles,
CA (Enter Zip code) on (Enter Date)