Letter Templates
Use these ready-to-edit templates to escalate your security deposit recovery, step by step.
Letter Templates to Landlord
Follow this sequence: Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3. Replace fields in [square brackets]
with your details.
First Level Request — Final Demand for Refund
Polite, professional, cites agreement and sets a 7-day deadline.
Preview
[Your Full Name] [Your New Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] [Landlord's Full Name] [Landlord's Address] Subject: Final Demand for Refund of Security Deposit – ₹[Deposit Amount] – [Property Address] Dear Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Last Name], I, [Tenant’s Full Name], was your tenant at the property located at [Property Address] from [Tenancy Start Date] to [Tenancy End Date]. This letter pertains to the non-receipt of the security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount] that was paid to you on [Deposit Payment Date] (receipt/transaction reference: [Insert Ref if available]). As agreed, I provided formal notice of my intent to vacate on [Notice Date] and subsequently handed over the vacant, peaceful possession of the property after a final inspection on [Handover Date]. The property was returned in good condition, subject only to fair wear and tear. Despite my obligations being fulfilled in full, the return of my security deposit remains pending. To date, I have made numerous good-faith attempts to resolve this matter amicably, including: • In-person discussion on [Date(s)] • Phone calls on [Approx. dates/number of times] • WhatsApp messages on [Dates] • Emails sent on [Dates] These efforts have not resolved the matter. As per Clause [X] of our Rental Agreement dated [Agreement Date], it was expressly agreed that deductions would only be made for: [Mention Agreed Deductions, e.g., unpaid dues, cost of repairing damages beyond normal wear and tear]. No such outstanding dues or damages were communicated to me during the final handover. Therefore, you are obligated to refund the entire deposit amount. This communication serves as a final formal demand. I request you to release the full refund of ₹[Deposit Amount] to my bank account within 7 days of receiving this letter. Bank Details for Transfer: Account Name: [Your Name] Bank Name: [Your Bank Name] Account Number: [Your Account Number] IFSC Code: [Your IFSC Code] Please be advised that if the refund is not processed within the stipulated 7-day period, I will be compelled to pursue all available remedies, including filing a formal complaint with the Resident Welfare Association (RWA), initiating proceedings under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and seeking compensation for harassment caused. Sincerely, [Your Printed Name]
Second Level Request — Notice of Harassment & Ethical Appeal (with RWA mention)
Firmer tone, documents prior follow-ups, references RWA escalation. 7-day deadline.
Preview
[Your Full Name] [Your New Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] [Landlord's Full Name] [Landlord's Address] Subject: Formal Notice Regarding Mental Harassment and Unethical Withholding of Security Deposit – [Property Address] Dear Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Last Name], I am writing with deep disappointment regarding your conduct since I vacated your property at [Property Address] on [Handover Date]. My previous communication dated [Date of First Letter] was a polite yet firm request for you to fulfil your legal and ethical obligation to return my security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount]. Instead of a resolution, I have been met with complete silence. Your refusal to return my deposit, or even provide any justification, has now escalated this matter from a financial dispute into one of mental harassment and unnecessary stress. This is no longer about the money alone; it is about fair treatment despite my fulfilling all duties as a tenant in good faith. Given the seriousness of your inaction, I have today formally lodged a complaint with the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of [Society Name], informing them of your unethical conduct. It is important that the community is aware of such behaviour from one of its members. This is an earnest appeal for you to immediately release the full security deposit. If I do not receive the funds in my account within 7 days of this notice, I will instruct my advocate to pursue all available legal remedies, including a consumer complaint and a police complaint for harassment. Sincerely, [Your Printed Name]
Third Level — Final Communication Before Initiating Legal Action
Final non-lawyer communication; sets 5 business days; lists legal steps.
Preview
[Your Full Name] [Your New Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] VIA EMAIL AND REGISTERED POST WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DUE [Landlord's Full Name] [Landlord's Address] Subject: Final Communication Before Initiating Legal Action – Refund of Security Deposit ₹[Deposit Amount] – [Property Address] Dear Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Last Name], This communication serves as my final attempt to resolve this matter directly with you. Despite my previous letters, including my formal demand dated [Date of First Letter], you have continued to withhold my security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount] for the property at [Property Address], vacated on [Handover Date]. Your failure to refund the deposit, despite my fulfilling all obligations and handing over the property in good condition, is unjustified and unlawful. This is my final communication to you before I initiate further action. Your continued inaction will force me to immediately pursue the following steps without any further warning: 1) I have already lodged a detailed complaint with the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) regarding your harassment and unethical withholding of my funds. I will continue to escalate this matter within the RWA, ensuring they are fully apprised of your ongoing conduct. 2) I will not hesitate to avail all legal measures necessary to recover my money. This includes, but is not limited to: sending a formal legal notice through my advocate, filing a case before the Consumer Court for deficiency of service and unfair trade practices, and filing a police complaint for criminal harassment and intimidation. To avoid these actions, please refund the full deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount] to my bank account within 5 business days of receipt of this communication. Bank Details: Account Holder: [Your Name] Bank Name: [Your Bank Name] Account Number: [Your Account Number] IFSC Code: [Your IFSC Code] If the payment is not made by [Date, 5 business days from now], I will initiate the above actions immediately and without further intimation. Sincerely, [Your Printed Name]
Letter to RWA
Use when the landlord ignores Level 1/2, or simultaneously with Level 2 for community intervention.
Formal Complaint to RWA
Address to President/Secretary; attach agreement, handover, and Level-1 letter proof.
Preview
[Your Full Name] [Your New Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] To, The President/Secretary, Resident Welfare Association (RWA), [Name of the Society/Apartment Complex], [Full Address of the Society] Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Harassment and Unlawful Withholding of Security Deposit by Owner/Landlord, Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Last Name] (Flat No: [Landlord's Flat Number]) Dear Sir/Madam, I, [Your Full Name], am writing to bring to your urgent attention a serious matter of harassment and financial impropriety by one of your residents, Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Full Name], owner of Flat No. [Landlord's Flat Number]. I was a tenant in the aforementioned flat from [Tenancy Start Date] to [Tenancy End Date]. I vacated the property after serving due notice and handed over the peaceful possession after a final inspection on [Handover Date]. The property was returned in a good state, subject only to normal wear and tear. Despite this, Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Name] has unlawfully and without any justification withheld my security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount]. This is in violation of our rental agreement clause [X] which permits deductions only for [Mention Agreed Deductions]. The Harassment: My repeated and polite attempts to request my rightful refund have been consistently ignored and dismissed. This includes: • Numerous phone calls that were not answered or were abruptly ended. • Multiple WhatsApp messages that have been left on ‘read’. • A formal demand letter sent via email and registered post on [Date of your final demand letter], giving a final 7-day notice to refund the amount, which has now expired without any response or payment. This deliberate silence and refusal to communicate or return my money constitute willful harassment and mental agony. It is a clear act of financial exploitation, leveraging the power imbalance between a landlord and a former tenant. Appeal to the RWA: As the governing body responsible for the welfare and harmony of the residents of [Society Name], I request your immediate intervention in this matter. The actions of Mr./Ms. [Landlord's Name] are not only unethical but also bring disrepute to the community's standards. I urge the RWA to: 1) Officially take note of this complaint against the owner of Flat No. [Landlord's Flat Number]. 2) Counsel them on their legal and ethical obligations as a member of this society. 3) Advise them to immediately release my security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount] to avoid further escalation. I have attached copies of the rental agreement clause, the final demand letter, and proof of its delivery for your reference. I hope for your swift action to curb this harassment. If this matter is not resolved through your intervention, I will be left with no alternative but to pursue legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and I will be compelled to inform the forum that the RWA was made aware of the resident's conduct. Thank you for your time and understanding. Sincerely, Signature [Your Printed Name]
Police Complaint Draft
Use after exhausting other avenues (Communication to Landlord + RWA + Final Communication) or in cases involving intimidation/harassment.
Points to Remember (Before You Submit)
- Carry Originals: Take all the original documents mentioned in the enclosure list with you for verification.
- Self-Attest: Put your signature on all the photocopies you are attaching.
- Be Persistent, Polite, Firm: Be calm, polite, but firm. If the officer is reluctant to register an FIR, you can request that they at least file a Non-Cognizable (NC) report to officially document your complaint. This creates a paper trail.
- Seek Legal Help: If you face significant resistance, having a lawyer accompany you can be very helpful.
Important Note: Filing a police complaint is a significant escalation. It is recommended to do this after all other avenues (RWA, final legal notice) have been exhausted. Be prepared to provide all your documentation.
Draft to the Station House Officer (SHO)
Includes relevant IPC sections; attach proof and prior communications.
Preview
To, The Station House Officer (SHO), [Name of Police Station], [Address of Police Station], [City]. Subject: Formal Complaint against Mr./Ms. [Landlord’s Full Name], S/o, W/o, D/o [Landlord’s Father’s/Husband’s Name], R/o [Landlord’s Full Address] for Criminal Intimidation, Harassment, and Cheating by refusing to return security deposit. Respected Sir/Madam, I, [Your Full Name], S/o, W/o, D/o [Your Father’s/Husband’s Name], R/o [Your Current Full Address], would like to bring the following to your kind notice for necessary action: That I was a tenant in the flat/property owned by the above-mentioned accused, Mr./Ms. [Landlord’s Name], located at [Full Rental Property Address], from [Tenancy Start Date] to [Tenancy End Date]. That at the start of the tenancy, I paid a security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount] to the accused for the said property (Proof of transaction attached). That as per our rental agreement, I vacated the premises after serving due notice and handed over the peaceful possession of the property on [Handover Date]. The property was returned in good condition, a fact that was acknowledged at the time of handover. That as per the agreement and law, the accused was obligated to return my security deposit in full after deducting any legitimate, agreed-upon charges. However, the accused has willfully, unlawfully, and without any justification withheld my entire security deposit of ₹[Deposit Amount]. That despite my repeated and polite requests, followed by formal written communications (copies attached), the accused has refused to return the money or even provide a justification. The accused has chosen to ignore all my attempts at communication, including phone calls, messages, and registered letters. That the actions of the accused are not merely a civil dispute but constitute criminal offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC): • Criminal Breach of Trust – Section 406 IPC • Cheating – Section 420 IPC • Criminal Intimidation – Section 503 IPC • Intentional Insult with intent to provoke breach of peace – Section 504 IPC That the accused’s behaviour is a deliberate act of financial harassment aimed at exploiting my position as a former tenant. The silent treatment and refusal to engage are tools of psychological pressure. That I have already attempted to resolve this through the Resident Welfare Association (RWA), but the accused remains non-compliant (RWA communication attached). Therefore, I request your good office to: 1) Register an FIR against Mr./Ms. [Landlord’s Name] under the relevant sections of the IPC, including 406, 420, 503, and 504. 2) Investigate the matter and summon the accused for questioning. 3) Direct the accused to immediately return my money and cease this harassment. 4) Take appropriate legal action to ensure justice. I am ready to provide all necessary documents and cooperate fully with the investigation. Thanking you, Sincerely, (Signature) [Your Printed Name] [Your Contact Number] [Date and Place] List of Enclosures (Attachments): • Copy of Self-Attested ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN) • Copy of Rental Agreement • Proof of Security Deposit Payment (Bank Statement/Receipt) • Copies of all Communication (WhatsApp screenshots, emails, letters) • Proof of Vacating & Handover (photos/videos, if any) • Copy of RWA Complaint • Copy of Final Communication sent to the landlord