North Carolina security deposit demand letter

The template

Replace every [bracketed] field, print two copies, sign, and send one by certified mail with return receipt. Keep the receipt - it proves the date of your demand.

[Your name]
[Your current address]

[Date]

[Landlord or property manager name]
[Landlord's address]

SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

RE: Demand for return of security deposit - [rental property address]

Dear [Landlord]:

I vacated the above rental property on [move-out date] and paid a security
deposit of $[deposit amount]. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56 (North Carolina Security Deposit Law), you were required to return my deposit with any lawful itemized deductions within 30 days.

DEMAND

I demand payment of $[amount improperly withheld], the amount improperly
withheld from my deposit.

Be advised that No statutory multiplier: the tenant recovers the wrongfully withheld balance plus actual damages, but willful noncompliance forfeits every deduction, and the court may award attorney's fees taxed as costs on a finding of willfulness (G.S. Should this matter
proceed to court, I will seek all damages the statute allows, plus court
costs.

Please deliver payment to the address above no later than [date 14 days
from today]. If I do not receive full payment by that date, I will file
suit in Small Claims Court (Magistrate, District Court division) without further notice. I have retained documentation
of the property's condition, our correspondence, and this demand.

Sincerely,


[Your signature]

Enclosures: [list your evidence - photos, lease, itemized statement]

A draft for you to review, edit, and sign - verify every citation against the current statute · not legal advice

Make the letter stronger

• State a number, not a feeling. Demand a specific dollar amount and say how you got it. Vague letters get vague replies.
• Cite the statute by section. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56 tells the landlord you'll be credible in court. No statutory multiplier: the tenant recovers the wrongfully withheld balance plus actual damages, but willful noncompliance forfeits every deduction, and the court may award attorney's fees taxed as costs on a finding of willfulness (G.S.
• Set a deadline and a consequence. 14 days to pay, then you file in Small Claims Court (Magistrate, District Court division) (handles claims up to $10,000). Then actually do it.
• Mention your evidence. Photos, the lease, texts. You don't need to attach everything - naming it is often enough to change the landlord's math.

Frequently asked questions