Answer a few questions. Get a state-specific demand letter with real statute citations — ready to print, sign, and send.
Average security deposit: $1,500–$2,500 — spend $39 to recover it.
Not legal advice. Every citation in your letter is a real statute.
May 11, 2026
RE: Return of security deposit — 1428 Magnolia Ave, Unit 3
Dear Mr. Patterson,
How it works
Tell us your state, what happened with your landlord, and the deposit amount. Most people finish in about two minutes.
One-time payment via Stripe. No subscription, no upsells, no account to create.
Your letter is generated instantly with real statute citations, exact deadlines, and professional formatting. Sign and mail.
Why it works
A demand letter isn't a lawsuit. It's a clear, professional notice that you know your rights — and you're prepared to enforce them.
Real statute citations show this isn't a generic template — and that you're ready to act.
Courts heavily favor tenants who can show they gave the landlord a clear chance to comply.
Several states require a written demand before you can file in small claims court.
Many statutes allow 2x or 3x damages when a landlord ignores a properly delivered demand.
What you get
Exact statute references for your state — not a generic template.
We do the math on return windows, response windows, and effective dates.
Where applicable, your letter cites 2x or 3x damages and attorney-fee provisions.
Clear instructions on small claims court if your landlord still refuses.
Know your deadline
Every state sets its own deadline for landlords to return security deposits. If your landlord missed it, you may be entitled to penalties on top of your deposit.
Some cities have additional protections or different deadlines — select your state to see city-level variations where they apply.
Deadlines and citations are general references. Your actual letter will cite the specific subsection that applies to your situation.
Questions
No. TenantShield generates a demand letter based on the law in your state, but we're not a law firm and we don't represent you. The letter is a tool — for case-specific legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Most landlords respond once they see real statute citations. If yours doesn't, your next step is small claims court — your letter becomes a key piece of evidence, and many state statutes allow you to recover 2x or 3x your deposit plus attorney fees.
All 50 states and Washington, D.C. — with special handling for cities that have additional protections (Chicago, NYC, Seattle, Portland, SF, LA, Berkeley, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, DC).
Free templates are generic — same letter for every state, no citations, no calculated deadlines. Our letters are written for your specific state, situation, and timeline, with real statute references that signal to your landlord this isn't a fishing expedition.
Because letters are generated and delivered instantly, we don't offer refunds once your letter has been produced. If a technical issue prevented you from receiving your letter, contact us and we'll make it right.
We never sell or share your personal information. Payment is handled by Stripe (PCI compliant), and your form data is only used to generate your letter.
Why TenantShield
| TenantShield | Free template | |
|---|---|---|
| State-specific statute citations | — | |
| Calculated deadlines for your situation | — | |
| Penalty multiplier language (2x, 3x) | — | |
| Special city protections (NYC, Chicago, SF…) | — | |
| Professional PDF formatting | — | |
| Ready in about two minutes | ||
| Free | — |
Two minutes of your time. A real, statute-cited letter on the other side.
Not legal advice. Every citation in your letter is a real statute.