Demand Letters
Security Deposit Demand (Commercial Lease): Certified Mail letter template
Pre-filled template, USPS tracking and Electronic Return Receipt
Commercial tenants get fewer statutory protections than residential ones: deposit deadlines and penalty statutes often do not apply, and the lease itself is the rulebook. That makes a precise, documented demand letter even more important, because your recovery will rest on the lease terms and the record you build.
A demand sent via USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt shows the landlord, and later a judge, exactly when the demand was made and received. Requesting an itemized accounting with supporting invoices forces the landlord to justify each deduction under the lease instead of keeping the deposit by inertia.
This template references the lease, documents the surrender date and condition, and demands payment or a documented accounting by a firm deadline.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
The letter template
The parts in blue and in brackets should be replaced with your information: they are pre-filled automatically when you use the template online.
Your contact details
Filled in automatically from the addresses step.
Recipient
Name and address entered at the addresses step.
Re: Demand for Return of Commercial Lease Security Deposit
Sent via USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt
Dear Sir or Madam,
I write on behalf of [business name], former tenant of the commercial premises located at [full address of the premises] under the lease dated [lease date], which ended on [lease end date]. We surrendered the premises and returned all keys and access devices on [surrender date].
At the start of the lease, we paid a security deposit of [deposit amount]. To date, the deposit has not been returned, and we have received no itemized accounting of any deductions. The premises were surrendered in the condition required by the lease, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
We demand that you return the full deposit of [amount claimed], or provide a complete itemized statement of any lawful deductions with supporting invoices, within [number of days, e.g., 15] days of your receipt of this letter. Payment should be sent to: [business address for payment].
If we do not receive the deposit or a satisfactory accounting within that period, we will pursue recovery through the courts, including any interest, statutory penalties, and costs available under the lease and applicable state law. This letter is sent by Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt, and the proof of mailing and signed receipt will document your notice of this demand.
Sincerely,
Mr. First name Last name
How to send this letter online
- 1
Enter the addresses
Your details and the recipient's: they are placed automatically in the letter heading.
- 2
Personalize the template
At the writing step, this template is ready to complete: replace the bracketed placeholders with your information.
- 3
Review the exact preview
What you see on screen is exactly what will be printed and mailed.
- 4
We handle the rest
Printing, sealing, and hand-off to USPS as Certified Mail. Proof of mailing and the Electronic Return Receipt are stored in your account.