When the itemization arrives
Dispute security deposit deductions
A deduction dispute letter is your formal reply to a partial refund with charges you think are unfair or unsupported. It rejects specific line items, asks for invoices and photos, and requests the difference back.
Build your dispute letterWhat to include
- The exact deductions you dispute, line by line
- Why each charge is not your responsibility (normal wear, pre-existing condition, no proof, and similar)
- A request for invoices, receipts, and dated photos
- A response deadline, typically 7 to 14 calendar days
When to send it
Within a few days of receiving the itemized statement, while your own move-out photos and the lease are easy to reference.
What comes next
If the landlord will not back up the deductions, this letter and your evidence file often become the core of a small claims case. State law also limits which charges can come out of a deposit at all.
Other letter types
Pre-move out deposit notice →Security deposit timeline reminder →Security deposit demand letter →Late security deposit demand →
Related guides
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