Security Deposit Receipts [+ Free Template]

Collecting a security deposit is one of the first steps landlords should take after a tenant signs the rental agreement and before the tenant moves in. This deposit provides some financial protection for the landlord should the tenant miss rent payments or cause undue property damage. It also in this way, acts as a financial incentive for the renter to maintain the property and uphold the lease terms.

If you do collect a security deposit, you should document the payment by providing your tenant with a security deposit receipt. This receipt should detail things like the deposit amount, where the deposit is being held, and, if interest payments are required in your state, how much these payments are, and when the tenant will receive them.

Note: While it’s common to require the full security deposit upfront, tenants may have the right to request installment payments, so be sure to check your local and state laws.

Contents

• What is a security deposit receipt?
• How much should a landlord charge for a security deposit?
• What to include in a security deposit receipt
• Security deposit receipt template
• How and when do landlords have to return a security deposit?
• Final Words: Managing Security Deposits With Landlord Studio
• Security Deposit Receipt FAQs

What is a security deposit receipt?

A security deposit receipt serves as proof of payment for the tenant and indicates where the deposit will be held during the lease period. A copy of the security deposit receipt should typically be provided to the tenant within 30 days of receiving the deposit (check your state security deposit laws).

How much should a landlord charge for a security deposit?

Security deposit amounts vary greatly depending on the location of the rental, the size of the property, and the rent amount. A typical security deposit amount will equal between 1-2 month’s rent. 

However, be aware that some cities and states have limits on the maximum amount you can charge, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. For example, in New York, the limit is one month’s rent, whereas in Florida there is no state law limiting security deposits.

If you are thinking about collecting a pet deposit, in some states this is included in the overall security deposit limit, but in others, such as North Carolina, there are additional limits (on top of the state’s security deposit limit) that are allowed specifically for pet deposits.

To keep your rental competitive and affordable, be mindful of your total upfront deposits and fees, even if your jurisdiction does not have a security deposit limit.

What to include in a security deposit receipt

When writing a security deposit receipt, you will want to include the following information:

1. Date of the deposit receipt
2. Name of the tenant
3. Name and location of the financial institution where the security deposit is held
4. Account number (if required)
5. The amount deposited and the date the deposit was made
6. Lease terms related to the security deposit
7. Name, signature, and date signed by the depositor

Security deposit receipt template

You can download the security deposit receipt template by clicking on the button below. Add the relevant information and send it to your tenant by post or email.

Security Deposit Receipt Template

How and when do landlords have to return a security deposit?

Though landlords have a right to deduct certain expenses from the security deposit, such as overdue rent and repairs for property damage (beyond normal wear and tear), the deposit is a refundable fee that must be returned, minus legitimate deductions, at the end of the tenancy.

Depending on your state, landlords have anywhere between 10 and 60 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit, with the most common period being 30 days. You can check our state-by-state guide to security deposit laws here to learn about your state's regulations. 

When the tenant moves out, you’ll send them a security deposit return letter. This letter should include:

• An itemized list of deductions for damages or repairs (if applicable), 
• the remaining balance of the security deposit after those costs are deducted, 
• and the amount being refunded. 

Ensure you have a valid forwarding address for the tenant to send their refund, and be aware of any local laws specifying the time frame for returning the deposit after the lease ends.

While the security deposit return letter typically does not include bank information, it may mention the amount of interest accrued on the deposited funds as some states require returning the security deposit plus interest.

Final Words: Managing Security Deposits With Landlord Studio

Handling security deposits can be complex, but Landlord Studio simplifies the process for both landlords and tenants. With Landlord Studio, you can effortlessly collect payments online, whether they are security deposits, rent payments, or tenant-payable expenses. All payments collected through the platform are automatically recorded, ensuring accurate financial tracking.

Landlord Studio also allows you to add detailed notes to each deposit payment, specifying where the security deposit is stored, when it was received, and when it needs to be returned to tenants. This feature helps maintain transparent and organized records, making it easier to manage security deposits effectively.

Create your free account today and discover how Landlord Studio can help you streamline rent collection and security deposit management for your rental properties.

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Security Deposit Receipt FAQs

What is a Security Deposit Receipt?

A Security Deposit Receipt provides proof that a security deposit payment was made and received by the landlord. It documents the amount paid, the date of payment, the payer, and the method of payment. The receipt usually connects the security deposit payment to the rental property's address and the lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord.

How do I write a tenant's receipt?

As a landlord, if you wish to create a receipt for a security deposit payment, you can use the Security Deposit Receipt document offered on this page. 

You can also create a rent receipt, if needed, through Landlord Studio’s system. Simply log the rent paid, and click on the icon beside the payment to generate and send a rent receipt to your tenants. If you’re using Landlord Studio to collect rent, you can automate this entire process.

How do you keep a record of rent payments?

Keeping a record of rent payments is easy with Landlord Studio. Payments collected through Landlord Studio’s system are automatically tracked in our award-winning rental accounting suite. Easily analyze historical rent payments, automate rent receipts, and generate rent payment reports.

How do I send a Security Deposit Return Letter to my tenant?

The security deposit return letter confirms that the security deposit was returned to your tenant and explains any deductions made from the deposit.

Once you’ve created the security deposit letter you will need to either send a paper version by mail to the forwarding address the tenant provided and/or email the return letter to their provided email address.