Put it in writing, with the statute and the dates.
Each letter fills in from your plan, cites the law that applies, and exports as PDF, Word or plain text. No sign-up. Facts and dates only: no threats, no promises about the outcome.
Forwarding address
Gives the landlord your new address in writing and asks for the deposit and an itemized list of any deductions.
When: On move-out day, or before. In Texas it is the step that makes the refund due; in Michigan you have 4 days after you leave.
Tex. Prop. Code §92.107 and your state’s deposit statuteWrite it All statesDeposit demand
Asks for the deposit (or the part withheld) by a date, citing the statute and the date it was due. Carries Fair Charge items when you dispute deductions.
When: The day after the deadline if nothing arrived, or soon after an itemized list you disagree with arrives.
Your state’s deposit statute and its penalty sectionWrite it FL onlyFlorida claim objection
Your written objection to a Florida landlord’s notice of claim on the deposit, sent within 15 days of receiving it.
When: Within 15 days after you receive the notice of claim (Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(b)).
Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(b)Write it CA onlyCalifornia inspection + photos
Asks for the initial (pre-move-out) inspection California allows, and for the photographs a landlord must take and send with any deductions.
When: After you or the landlord give notice. The inspection happens no earlier than two weeks before the end (Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f)).
Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f), (g), (h)Write it All statesNotice to vacate
Your written notice that you are ending the tenancy on a date, with your forwarding address and a request about the move-out inspection.
When: By the last day to give notice in your Move-Out Plan: your lease period, or your state’s default for month-to-month tenancies.
Your lease, or your state’s notice statute where one sets a defaultWrite itInformation, not legal advice. Keep proof of sending (certified mail, a dated e-mail, or a photo of hand delivery). For help with your situation, contact legal aid or your court's self-help center; state pages list the official links we have checked.