Indiana Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Indiana security deposit demand letter that follows Indiana 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 Indiana law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within 45 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession, the landlord must return the deposit minus itemized deductions. The landlord is not liable until the tenant provides a written forwarding mailing address. Source: IC 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-14 |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Within 45 days after termination of occupancy, landlord must mail an itemized list of damages with the estimated cost of repair for each item, plus a check or money order for the balance. Deposits may be used only for actual damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, unpaid rent (including rent due for early termination), the last rent period if agreed in writing, and unpaid utility/sewer charges owed by the tenant. Source: IC 32-31-3-13, 32-31-3-14 |
| Penalty for withholding | Tenant may recover the full deposit due (or the part wrongfully withheld) plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. No multiple-damages penalty. Source: IC 32-31-3-12(b), 32-31-3-16 |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined in detail by statute. A deposit may be used only to reimburse actual damages to the unit or ancillary facilities that are not the result of ordinary wear and tear, unpaid rent (including rent due for early termination), the last rent payment if agreed in writing, and unpaid tenant utility or sewer charges the landlord paid. At move-out the tenant must deliver the unit in a clean and proper condition, excepting ordinary wear and tear. The itemized damage list (with estimated repair cost for each item) is due within 45 days. |
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 IC 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-14, 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 IC 32-31-3-12(b), 32-31-3-16.
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.
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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.