Iowa Security Deposit Demand Letter (Iowa Code § 562A.12)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
Your details
No account needed. Your letter updates as you type.
Live preview
Free to preview[Your full name]
[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.12, a landlord must return the security deposit, or provide a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of it, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address. This letter also provides my mailing address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
- Clean PDF + editable Word (.docx)
- No watermark, print-ready on US Letter
- Download link emailed to you
One-time payment, secure checkout by Stripe. FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.
How security deposits work in Iowa
Iowa landlords must return the security deposit, or a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of it, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and certain costs listed in the statute. Deposits are capped at two months' rent.
Because the 30 days don't start until the landlord has your mailing address, give it in writing as soon as possible. A tenant who doesn't provide an address or delivery instructions within one year after the tenancy ends forfeits the deposit. A landlord who misses the 30-day written statement requirement loses the right to withhold any part of the deposit.
If a landlord keeps a deposit in bad faith, a court can award actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent. The court may also award reasonable legal fees to the winning side. Iowa small claims court hears disputes of $6,500 or less, which covers most deposit claims.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Iowa's own deadline under Iowa Code § 562A.12 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Iowa limit: $6,500). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Iowa, the rules are set out in Iowa Code § 562A.12. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Iowa the limit is $6,500, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Iowa security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.12, a landlord must return the security deposit, or provide a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of it, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address. This letter also provides my mailing address in writing.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, if the deposit was kept in bad faith.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Iowa landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives your mailing address or delivery instructions. If you give your address before you move out, the 30-day clock starts as soon as the tenancy ends.
What happens if I never give my Iowa landlord an address?
If you don't provide a mailing address or delivery instructions within one year after the tenancy ends, you forfeit the deposit and the landlord can keep it. That's why this letter includes your address in writing.
What can I recover if my Iowa landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?
Your actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent. A landlord who fails to send the written statement within 30 days also loses the right to keep any portion of the deposit.
Can I sue for my deposit in Iowa small claims court?
Yes. Iowa small claims court hears cases of $6,500 or less. Bring your lease, move-in and move-out photos, proof of when you gave your mailing address, and a copy of this letter.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.