MakeLease is in early access — early users help shape what we build next.

    Iowa Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must return the deposit or send a written statement of reasons for withholding within 30 days after the tenancy ends and they receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Iowa: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Iowa rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    30 days after the lease ends Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion if the written statement is not given within 30 days; bad-faith retention adds punitive damages up to twice the monthly rent plus actual damages; court may award attorney fees to the prevailing party Iowa Code § 562A.12(4), (7), (8)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Iowa: Landlords must return the deposit or send a written statement of reasons for withholding within 30 days after the tenancy ends and they receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Your state counts from the end of the tenancy. The form counts from the earlier of this date and the move-out date.

    Deadline under Iowa's main rule: November 30, 2026 (30 calendar days after the move-out date, October 31, 2026). Read the state rule above for conditions that change it.

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. Iowa: A landlord withholding any of the deposit must give a written statement of the specific reasons, and for repairs must specify the nature of the damage (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for Iowa: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What Iowa requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must return the deposit or send a written statement of reasons for withholding within 30 days after the tenancy ends and they receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)).

    Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    A landlord withholding any of the deposit must give a written statement of the specific reasons, and for repairs must specify the nature of the damage (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)).

    Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who misses the 30-day statement forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit, and bad-faith retention exposes the landlord to punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent plus actual damages (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4), (7)).

    Iowa Code § 562A.12(4), (7), (8) · checked October 26, 2026

    If the lease ends falls on October 31, 2026, 30 calendar days later is November 30, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

    More for Iowa landlords