Virginia Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Virginia security deposit demand letter that follows Virginia 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 Virginia law says
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days after termination of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates, whichever is later. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226(A) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Required: written notice itemizing the deposit and any deductions, damages and charges, delivered with any refund within the 45-day period. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226(A) |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord willfully fails to comply, the court shall order return of the deposit plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees (if the tenant owes rent, the deposit amount is credited against rent due). Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226(E) |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. The deposit may be applied only to accrued rent and lease-specified late charges, damages from the tenant's breach of statutory tenant duties 'less reasonable wear and tear,' other damages or charges provided in the rental agreement, and actual damages for breach. Deductions must be itemized in a written disposition statement. Cleaning, painting and carpet are not specifically addressed; they depend on the lease and the wear-and-tear limit. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A), (E)-(G) |
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 Va. Code 55.1-1226(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 Va. Code 55.1-1226(E).
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.