How to Write an Itemized Security Deposit Statement

A good statement has: the property and the tenants; the move-out date; the deposit and any interest; one line per deduction with what it's for and the amount; the total deducted; and the refund (or the balance owed). Attach receipts or estimates where your state asks for them.

Show the math. Deposit plus interest, minus deductions, equals the refund. If deductions are more than the deposit, say how much the tenant still owes — the deposit doesn't cap what they owe, but you'll have to collect it separately.

Co-tenants. Unless the lease says otherwise, many landlords send one check payable to all tenants; California allows a single check to all tenants on the lease (§1950.5(h)(1)(C)). If you split it, Depositsheet divides the refund in whole cents so the shares add up exactly.

Send it on time and keep proof — Florida requires certified mail (or email under §83.505) for a claim; elsewhere, mail or the method the lease allows, with a record of when it was sent.

Last reviewed 2026-11-04. General information, not legal advice. Check your lease and your state and local law.