A calm, practical path to getting your deposit back
If you’re here, your security deposit has become “a thing.” No worries — this is usually solvable if you stay calm, follow clear steps, and communicate properly.
We’ll assume the basics are already in place:
- You uploaded your lease in Manage Documents.
- You reviewed and approved the data in Lease Dashboard (so the Dashboard is your source of truth for accurate dates, amounts, and terms).
Keep it calm: your strength is facts and consistency, not emotional arguments.
Open the right Wizard
On the right side of the interface, you’ll see Wizards — focused tools built for specific situations.
For security deposits, choose: Security Deposit Demand.
The idea is simple: instead of explaining everything from scratch every time, you use a Wizard designed specifically for deposit cases:
- It asks the right questions.
- It keeps structure.
- It helps you quickly generate a ready-to-send draft without guessing.
Use a starter (or ask your own question)
When Security Deposit Demand is selected, you’ll see starters (pre-written prompts to begin). Click one to start right away:
- Help me prepare a demand letter for my deposit return.
- I received a partial refund and disagree with deductions.
- What’s the legal deadline for deposit return in my state?
- My landlord hasn’t returned my deposit yet.
If none of these fit, simply write your request in your own words.
Dictate if it’s faster
Next to the input field at the bottom, there’s voice input. You can dictate your situation, and LizWiz will turn it into a clear request.
The language switcher only improves voice dictation accuracy. You can type in any language — LizWiz will understand and reply in your language.
What LizWiz does for you
LizWiz will:
- Gather the facts carefully (dates, amounts, deadlines, and other key details).
- Help you state your position calmly and professionally.
- Generate the message or letter you need — ready to send.
In a typical case, you’ll get:
- A short action plan (what to do next).
- A draft letter you can send (email/letter).
- A list of what to attach (if relevant).
Example output (demo)
Below is a simplified demo of what a “ready-to-send” demand letter can look like. Your real output should match your facts and your lease.
Re: Demand for Return of Residential Security Deposit
Rental Property: 233 Example Ave, Apt 1204, Chicago, IL 60601
To Whom It May Concern:
We, Jane Smith and John Smith, were tenants of the apartment located at 233 Example Ave, Apt 1204, Chicago, IL 60601 pursuant to an Apartment Lease Contract with Example Property Holdings, LLC. The lease commenced on November 14, 2024, and ended on February 13, 2026.
In accordance with the lease, we paid a security deposit in the amount of $1,000.00.
On February 13, 2026, we fully vacated the apartment and surrendered possession to you. As of the move‑out date, all rent and other required charges under the lease had been paid in full; there were no outstanding balances.
After vacating, we provided you with our new mailing address for correspondence, and we also arranged for a mail forwarding service. Nevertheless, as of the date of this letter:
1. We have not received any portion of our $1,000.00 security deposit, either in whole or in part.
2. We have not received any written notice or itemized statement of deductions from the deposit, nor have we received any letters or electronic communications from you explaining any alleged charges against the deposit.
Under Illinois law and the terms of our lease, a landlord is required within specific timeframes after the end of the tenancy and surrender of possession to:
- either return the tenant’s security deposit, or
- provide the tenant with a written, itemized statement of any claimed deductions along with appropriate supporting documentation, and return any undisputed balance.
Based on the facts described above, it appears that you have not complied with the applicable requirements regarding timely written notice of any claimed deductions and timely return of the security deposit.
Additionally, the apartment was in very good condition at the time of move-out and was professionally cleaned. We have:
- a move‑in condition report documenting the condition of the apartment at the beginning of the tenancy, and
- photo and video evidence of the condition of the apartment at the time of move‑out.
These materials support our position that the property was left in proper condition and that any withholding of the deposit is improper.
Accordingly, we hereby demand the following:
1. That you return the full amount of our security deposit, $1,000.00 (One Thousand Dollars), within ten (10) calendar days of your receipt of this letter.
2. That the deposit be returned by mailing a check to our current mailing address listed at the top of this letter.
If you contend that you are entitled to retain any portion of the security deposit, we request that, within the same ten (10) day period, you provide us with a written, itemized statement of all deductions, including:
- a description and date of each alleged damage or violation,
- the exact dollar amount claimed for each item, and
- copies of supporting documents (such as invoices, estimates, or contracts with vendors).
If you do not return the deposit as demanded above and/or do not provide a proper, detailed itemization and documentation of any claimed deductions, we will consider taking further action to protect our rights. This may include:
- filing complaints with appropriate consumer protection and tenant‑rights agencies, and
- consulting with an attorney regarding potential legal action to recover the deposit and any additional amounts that may be available under applicable Illinois law.
Please send your response and, if applicable, the refund check to our mailing address listed at the beginning of this letter. If possible, please also provide a copy of your response through any electronic communication channels previously used between us (such as email or an online resident portal).
Sincerely,
__________________________
Jane Smith
__________________________
John Smith
Date: March 20, 2026