Idaho Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Idaho security deposit demand letter that follows Idaho law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Idaho law says
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the lease sets no time; the lease may set a different period but never more than 30 days. Source: Idaho Code § 6-321 |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | If only part of the deposit is refunded, the landlord must include a signed statement itemizing the amounts kept, the reasons, and the expenditures. Deductions may not be taken for normal wear and tear. Source: Idaho Code § 6-321 |
| Penalty for withholding | Tenant may sue for failure to return a deposit as required by law (after a 3-day written notice to the landlord); the court may enter judgment for up to three times actual damages, plus costs and attorney fees. |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | A landlord may not keep any part of the deposit for normal wear and tear, defined as deterioration from the use for which the unit is intended, without negligence, carelessness, accident, misuse, or abuse by the tenant, household members, invitees, or guests. Deductions are limited to contingencies in the deposit arrangement and must be itemized with a detailed list of expenditures. The Attorney General's examples: faded curtains, carpet, and paint, minor wall nicks, and moderate carpet dirt are wear and tear; cigarette burns, pet damage, excessive wall damage, and grime-coated fixtures are tenant damage. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Idaho Code § 6-321, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Idaho Code §§ 6-320(a), 6-317, 6-324.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All Idaho landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Idaho
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.