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Legal notice

Legal notice for security deposit refund

Moved out and the landlord is sitting on your deposit? Send a formal demand, in your own name.

You and the landlord

Sending together (a joint deposit, a couple)? Add the others. The notice says "we" and each signs.

What happened

Part paid back? It comes off the demand. You don't admit any deduction by entering it.

Deductions you accept (optional)

Only real dues: unpaid rent or bills, or repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Your demand

How to send it

  • Print, sign every page and keep a photocopy.
  • Send it by Registered Post A.D. or Speed Post to the address above. Keep the postal receipt and, when it comes back, the A.D. card.
  • Also send a scanned copy by email or WhatsApp. It's a quick extra record, not a replacement.
  • Wait for the deadline. Note any reply or payment.
  • Phone first: a polite written reminder with your bank details often works.
  • If ignored: file a civil suit for recovery, or apply to the Rent Authority if your State has one under a Model Tenancy Act-style law. The claim generally has to be filed within 3 years.

Making a new agreement? Cap the deposit and write the refund terms in. Rent above ₹50,000 a month? Check TDS on rent.

Template, not legal advice. For large amounts or disputes, consult an advocate.

Your notice

Updates as you type

LEGAL NOTICE

Without prejudice to my other rights and remedies

Date: 11-10-2026

By Registered Post A.D. / Speed Post

From:
[Your name]
[Your address]

To:
[Landlord name]
[Landlord address]

Subject: Legal notice for refund of security deposit

Sir/Madam,

  1. I was your tenant at [Rented property address].
  2. At the start of the tenancy I paid you a refundable security deposit of [Deposit amount].
  3. I vacated the premises and handed over vacant possession on [Date vacated]. All rent up to that date has been paid.
  4. The security deposit was paid only as security for the tenancy and is refundable when the tenancy ends and possession is handed back, after adjusting lawful dues such as unpaid rent or the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear. This follows from the rent agreement and the law applicable to the tenancy. Withholding it after I have vacated is wrongful retention of my money.
  5. I therefore call upon you to refund the balance security deposit of [Amount] within 15 days from the date of this notice, that is, on or before 26-10-2026, by bank transfer / UPI / cheque to me, and to confirm in writing.
  6. If you fail to do so, I may initiate appropriate proceedings against you before the appropriate civil court or, where the tenancy law of the State provides for one, the Rent Authority, to recover the amount with interest, compensation and costs, entirely at your risk as to costs and consequences.
  7. A copy of this notice is retained by me for further action.

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]
Tenant

What can a landlord deduct?

The deposit is security, not rent. On vacating, a landlord may generally adjust unpaid rent, unpaid bills and the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear, as the agreement allows. Repainting after years of normal living, routine cleaning or old fittings wearing out are usually wear and tear. Ask for bills for any deduction.

Are deposits capped?

States that have adopted Model Tenancy Act-style laws cap the deposit. Uttar Pradesh's 2021 tenancy law, like the Model Tenancy Act, allows at most two months' rent for a home, and these laws set up a Rent Authority to hear disputes. Elsewhere the rent agreement governs.

Do I need a lawyer to send a legal notice?

No. You can send a notice in your own name. An advocate's letterhead can add weight, and for a large amount or a contested case it is worth paying for advice. Sending a notice does not stop the limitation period, so if it is ignored, file your claim in time.

Template, not legal advice. For large amounts or disputes, consult an advocate.