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    Pennsylvania Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must return the deposit, less itemized damages, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit and the landlord accepts it, whichever comes first (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Pennsylvania: 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

    Pennsylvania rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    30 days after the lease ends 68 P.S. § 250.512(a), (c)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required 68 P.S. § 250.512(a)-(b)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Landlord who misses the 30-day list forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit or sue for damages; failure to refund the balance within 30 days makes the landlord liable for double the amount by which the deposit (plus interest) exceeds actual damages. 68 P.S. § 250.512(b)-(c)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Pennsylvania: Landlords must return the deposit, less itemized damages, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit and the landlord accepts it, whichever comes first (68 P.S. § 250.512(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 Pennsylvania'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. Pennsylvania: Landlords must give the tenant a written list of damages claimed against the deposit within 30 days, or they forfeit the right to withhold any of it or sue for damage to the premises (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)-(b)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    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 Pennsylvania: 68 P.S. § 250.512(a), (c).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    What Pennsylvania requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must return the deposit, less itemized damages, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit and the landlord accepts it, whichever comes first (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)).

    68 P.S. § 250.512(a), (c) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    Landlords must give the tenant a written list of damages claimed against the deposit within 30 days, or they forfeit the right to withhold any of it or sue for damage to the premises (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)-(b)).

    68 P.S. § 250.512(a)-(b) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who fails to refund the balance within 30 days owes the tenant double the amount wrongfully withheld, and one who skips the written damage list loses the right to keep any of the deposit (68 P.S. § 250.512(b)-(c)).

    68 P.S. § 250.512(b)-(c) · 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.

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