Pennsylvania Security Deposit Demand Letter (68 P.S. § 250.512)
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 ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under 68 P.S. § 250.512, a landlord must give the tenant a written list of any damages claimed, and pay back the rest of the security deposit, within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date]. This letter also provides my new address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] 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 double the amount by which the deposit exceeds the landlord's actual damages.
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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania landlords must, within 30 days after the lease ends or the landlord accepts the tenant's surrender of the unit, whichever comes first, give the tenant a written list of any damages they claim and pay back the rest of the deposit, including any unpaid interest. The landlord may also keep money for unpaid rent or other lease breaches.
A landlord who fails to send the written list of damages within 30 days loses the right to keep any part of the deposit for damages and cannot sue the tenant for those damages. However, the tenant must give the landlord a new address in writing when moving out; a tenant who doesn't may lose these protections. This letter provides that address.
If the landlord fails to pay back the difference between the deposit and the actual damages within 30 days, the landlord is liable for double that amount, and the landlord carries the burden of proving the damages. Pennsylvania caps deposits at two months' rent in the first year and one month after that, and deposits over $100 held more than two years earn interest.
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, Pennsylvania's own deadline under 68 P.S. § 250.512 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 (Pennsylvania limit: $12,000 (magisterial district court)). 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 Pennsylvania, the rules are set out in Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512 (68 P.S. § 250.512). If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award double the amount by which the deposit exceeds the landlord's actual damages.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Pennsylvania the limit is $12,000 (magisterial district court), which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Pennsylvania 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 68 P.S. § 250.512, a landlord must give the tenant a written list of any damages claimed, and pay back the rest of the security deposit, within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026. This letter also provides my new 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 double the amount by which the deposit exceeds the landlord's actual damages.
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 a Pennsylvania landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the lease ends or the landlord accepts your surrender of the unit, whichever comes first. Within that time the landlord must send a written list of claimed damages along with the remaining balance.
Do I need to give my Pennsylvania landlord a forwarding address?
Yes. If you don't provide your new address in writing when the lease ends or you move out, the landlord is relieved of liability under the deposit statute. This letter includes your address, but it is best to provide it at move-out too.
What can I recover if my Pennsylvania landlord keeps my deposit?
If the landlord doesn't pay back the difference between the deposit and the actual damages within 30 days, a court can award double that amount. A landlord who never sent a written damage list loses the right to keep any of it for damages.
Where do I sue for a deposit in Pennsylvania?
Most deposit cases go to the local magisterial district court, which hears civil claims of up to $12,000, not counting interest and costs. In Philadelphia, these cases go to the Municipal Court, which has the same $12,000 limit. Bring the lease, photos, this letter and your proof of mailing.
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.