Help & FAQ

The DepositBack process has four steps: fill out a short form about your rental, pay $59, preview your demand letter, and download it to send to your landlord yourself. The whole thing takes under 10 minutes.

Before you start, gather a few things so the form goes smoothly:

• Your lease agreement (to confirm your deposit amount and move-out date)
• Your landlord's name and mailing address
• Any letter or notice your landlord sent about keeping your deposit
• Photos of the unit's condition at move-out, if you have them

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DepositBack doesn't require you to upload documents — you just enter information directly in the form. Here's what each piece of information is used for:

• Your lease agreement — confirms the deposit amount, move-out date, and your landlord's legal name. All demand letters cite your specific state statute, and the deposit amount is needed to calculate any penalty.
• Deduction letter from your landlord — if your landlord sent a written explanation of what they're keeping and why, entering those details lets us identify which deductions are legitimate versus contestable under state law.
• Photos of the unit — you don't upload them to DepositBack, but keep them handy. If your case goes to small-claims court, photos of move-out condition are your best evidence that alleged damage was pre-existing.

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After you fill out the form, you see a free preview of your recovery estimate — the total amount you may be owed, including any statutory penalty your state allows. This is based on your deposit amount, your state's deadline rules, and your landlord's actions.

The demand letter itself cites the exact statute that applies to your situation, states the amount owed (deposit plus penalty, if applicable), and sets a clear legal deadline for your landlord to respond. The letter is formatted to print and PDF, ready to send.

Statutory penalties vary by state. In Texas and Georgia, landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits can owe up to 3× your deposit. In California, it's up to 2×. Most other states range from simple interest to 2×. Your letter will show the exact amount for your state.

See your recovery estimate →

Download the letter, print it, and send it two ways:

• Certified mail, return receipt requested — this is the standard for legal proof of delivery. Go to your local post office, ask for certified mail with return receipt, and keep the receipt. This is your evidence that the letter arrived on a specific date.
• Email — also send a PDF of the letter to your landlord's email address at the same time. Email is fast and creates a timestamp. Use the same subject line as the letter for easy matching.

Keep copies of everything — the letter, the certified mail receipt, and any email confirmations. If your landlord doesn't respond by the deadline in the letter, these documents become evidence in small-claims court.

What counts as a landlord response? A written reply offering to pay, a partial payment, or a signed acknowledgment of receipt — any of these starts a clock on next steps. A phone call or verbal promise without paperwork doesn't count. Keep everything in writing.

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If your landlord sends the full amount — deposit plus any penalty — you can consider the case closed. Keep the payment documentation (check, bank transfer, etc.) and mark the matter resolved. You don't need to file anything with the court.

If your landlord offers a partial payment and you want to accept it, that's your call — but get the amount and any conditions in writing before you agree. Once you accept payment, you typically waive the right to pursue the remaining balance, so make sure you're comfortable with the total before you agree.

If you receive payment after paying for the small-claims filing packet and decide not to use it, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.

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If the deadline in your letter passes with no payment and no valid written response, the next step is small-claims court. This is designed for people without lawyers — no legal representation is required, filing fees are typically $30–$75, and the process is straightforward.

DepositBack offers an optional $29 small-claims filing packet that includes step-by-step instructions for your state, pre-filled forms with your details, and a guide on how to file, serve, and present your case.

You'll bring your demand letter, certified mail receipt, photos of the unit, and proof of the original deposit payment. The judge will review the evidence and issue a judgment. If you win and the landlord doesn't pay, you can ask the court to help enforce the judgment.

Get your demand letter + filing packet →

DepositBack is designed for renters who have already moved out and are seeking the return of a withheld security deposit. If you are currently in an eviction proceeding or have an active lawsuit related to your rental, the demand letter may not be the right tool — and in some states, sending a demand letter during active litigation could affect your position.

If you have an attorney handling your eviction or lawsuit, talk to them before using DepositBack. If you don't have an attorney, contact your local LawHelp organization for free legal aid in your state — they can advise you on whether a demand letter is appropriate given your specific situation.

Email us with your situation — we'll help you figure out next steps