# Document security deposit deductions after a move-out inspection

An itemized, defensible deposit disposition letter that separates damage from normal wear and tear and meets deadlines.

- Topic: Legal & Compliance
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Legal, Design, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/document-security-deposit-deductions-after-a-move-out-inspection

## Prompt

```text
Help me prepare an itemized security deposit statement after a tenant moved out.

**State and city:** [LOCATION - deadlines and rules vary]
**Deposit amount and any interest owed:** [AMOUNT]
**Move-in date, move-out date, and lease length:** [DATES]
**Move-in condition record:** [CHECKLIST OR PHOTO NOTES]
**Move-out findings:** [ITEM, LOCATION, CONDITION, PHOTOS TAKEN Y/N]
**Costs:** [INVOICES, QUOTES, OR MY LABOR RATE PER ITEM]
**Unpaid rent or fees:** [AMOUNTS]
**Tenant's forwarding address provided?** [YES/NO]

Steps:
1. Classify each item as damage beyond normal wear and tear, normal wear and tear (not chargeable), or cleaning. Explain the reasoning briefly; e.g. light carpet wear after four years is usually wear, pet stains are usually damage.
2. Prorate charges for items with a useful life (carpet, paint, appliances) based on age, and show the math.
3. Flag any charge that lacks a move-in record, photo, or receipt as weak.
4. Total the deductions and the refund or balance due.

Return:
- A table: Item | Classification | Evidence | Cost | Prorated charge.
- A clear, neutral itemized statement letter to the tenant.
- The deadline to send it, marked [CONFIRM STATE DEADLINE], and the delivery method to use.

Do not invent costs. Remind me that wrongful withholding can carry penalties in many states and to confirm with a local attorney or my state's landlord-tenant guide.
```

## What to fill in

- LOCATION - deadlines and rules vary
- AMOUNT
- DATES
- CHECKLIST OR PHOTO NOTES
- ITEM, LOCATION, CONDITION, PHOTOS TAKEN Y/N
- INVOICES, QUOTES, OR MY LABOR RATE PER ITEM
- AMOUNTS
- YES/NO
- CONFIRM STATE DEADLINE

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.