Pennsylvania Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Pennsylvania security deposit demand letter that follows Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania law says
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises (whichever comes first). |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Written list of damages for which the tenant is claimed liable, delivered within 30 days together with payment of the balance. If no list within 30 days, the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit or to sue for damages to the premises. |
| Penalty for withholding | Double the amount by which the deposit (plus unpaid interest) exceeds the actual damages caused by the tenant, if not paid within 30 days. Landlord bears the burden of proving damages. |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, the landlord must give a written list of damages the tenant is claimed to be liable for, with payment of the difference between the deposit (plus unpaid interest) and the 'actual damages to the leasehold premises caused by the tenant.' The landlord may also keep the deposit for unpaid rent or other lease breaches. The landlord has the burden of proving actual damages. Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512 |
Fill in your letter
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted. If a lease, city rule or court form requires different wording, that controls.
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 Act § 512(a) (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)), 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 Act § 512(c) (68 P.S. § 250.512(c)).
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 Pennsylvania landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Pennsylvania
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.