50 states + DC · sourced & dated
Your landlord kept your deposit. Get it back.
Tell us your state and move-out date. We show you the exact law your landlord broke, then generate a demand letter that cites the statute. Two minutes, no account.
Check my rights — freeUnder [State] Code § [X], you are required to return my deposit within [Y] days.
Under [State] Code § [X], you are required to return my deposit within [Y] days.
What landlords get away with
Half of what they deducted probably wasn't legal.
Most states draw a hard line between damage and ordinary wear. Landlords count on you not knowing where it falls. We've mapped that line for all 50 states — here's the shape of it.
See the rules for your stateHow it works
Three steps. Five minutes. Your money back.
Tell us what happened
Your state and move-out date. We calculate your landlord's legal deadline and whether they've already blown it.
We build your case
Enter each deduction. We flag the illegal ones, calculate the penalty your state allows, and draft the letter citing the exact statute.
Your landlord pays up
Send it. Most landlords return the deposit once they see a real citation and a court filing deadline. No lawyer.
What you can do here
Everything renters need. Nothing they don't.
Demand Letter
A state-specific letter that names each deduction, challenges it by statute, and gives your landlord 14 days to pay. Many return the deposit the moment they see the citation and the deadline.
Complete Recovery Kit
The demand letter plus the escalation letter, a small claims filing guide, evidence checklist, and a judge-ready summary.
Lease Review
Upload your lease. We flag unenforceable clauses and cite the state statute that makes each one void.
Small Claims Guide
Step-by-step filing instructions for your specific court, with pre-filled evidence summaries and a timeline.
All free tools work without an account. See all free tools →
What's in your letter
Every line does legal work.
- Your state's specific statute citation
- Exact return deadline and penalty amount
- IRS depreciation analysis for claimed damages
- Small claims court filing details
- Formatting landlords take seriously
What it costs
A lawyer's first hour, or your whole case.
Most deposit disputes never need an attorney. They need a letter that proves you know the law. Here's how the math works out.
| DepositHawk | Attorney | DIY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demand letter, statute-cited | $19 | $200–$400/hr | Hours of research |
| Knows your state's exact deadline | Included | Billable | You look it up |
| Flags every illegal deduction | Included | Billable | On your own |
| Small claims filing guide | $29 / in Kit | Billable | Court website |
| Turnaround | Minutes | Days–weeks | Up to you |
Rights Check
Your state's deadline, penalty multiplier, and which deductions are illegal.
Check my rightsDemand Letter
The statute-cited letter that names each deduction and sets a 14-day deadline.
Get startedComplete Recovery Kit
Demand + escalation letters, small claims guide, evidence checklist, judge-ready summary.
Get startedOne-time purchases — no subscription. Move-in to move-out protection is available separately for renters who want to document a unit before there's ever a dispute.
Every deadline, sourced
Know your rights in every state.
The number under each state is the return deadline its law sets. Tap one for the full statute, penalty, and deduction rules.
Common questions
Before you write the letter.
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.