Security Deposit Dispute Letter
A formal, citation-backed letter that disputes the deductions your landlord took from your security deposit — applying HUD useful-life depreciation, IRS Publication 527, and your state's deposit law. Start with a free analysis of your landlord's deduction letter — you do not pay anything unless you choose to send the letter.
Free · Instant · No signup · No card · Optional letter only if you act
How it works
Free analysis · No signup · No credit card
Upload your landlord's deduction letter
FreeThe itemized move-out statement or email listing what they withheld from your deposit.
Get your free analysis
FreeWe check each charge against HUD useful-life guidelines and your state's deposit law, and flag what looks contestable.
Choose to generate your rebuttal letter
Optional · $19Only if you decide it is worth it — a formal, citation-backed letter you can send.
You pay nothing until the final step. Uploading the deduction letter and your analysis are free. The $19 rebuttal letter is generated only if you decide to send it — after you have seen which charges look contestable.
What the dispute letter includes
HUD, IRS & state citations
Cites HUD Handbook 4350.1, the HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C, IRS Pub 527, and your state's deposit statute.
Charge-by-charge rebuttal
Addresses each deduction in order, applying useful-life depreciation and normal-wear rules.
Addressed to the right party
Directed to your landlord or property manager, citing return deadlines and itemization duties.
Certified-mail ready
Formatted to send by certified mail with a clear response deadline — and usable as evidence in small claims.
FAQs
Do I have to pay to find out which charges I can dispute?
No. Uploading your landlord's deduction letter and getting your analysis is completely free — no signup and no card. You only pay if you decide to generate the formal rebuttal letter after seeing your analysis.
When exactly do I pay?
Only at the very last step, and only if you choose it. After your free analysis shows which deductions look contestable, generating the rebuttal letter is an optional $19. Nothing is charged before that decision.
What do I get for $19?
A formal, ready-to-send security deposit dispute letter: a charge-by-charge rebuttal applying HUD useful-life depreciation and your state's deposit law, addressed to your landlord or property manager, and formatted for certified mail. You also receive an editable Word version.
Is this a demand letter or a dispute letter?
It is a formal written dispute of the itemized deductions that also functions as a demand for the wrongfully withheld portion of your deposit. Sending it creates a dated written record, and the letter is structured so you can use it as Exhibit A if you later file in small claims court.
Is this legal advice?
No. Deposit Forensics (a BureauGuard AI service) provides automated document preparation and general information, not legal advice or representation, and does not guarantee any refund or outcome. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
See which charges you can fight — free
Upload your landlord's deduction letter for a free analysis. The rebuttal letter is optional, only if you act.
Deposit Forensics is a BureauGuard AI service. We provide automated document preparation and general information, not legal advice or representation, and do not guarantee any refund or outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.