What is a security deposit receipt?
Deposit disputes at the end of a tenancy usually start with fuzzy facts at the beginning: how much was paid, when, and on what terms. A deposit receipt signed at move-in fixes those facts while everyone agrees on them.
This receipt records the amount, the date and the payment method, and says where the money is held, with a space for a protection scheme or account reference. It states whether interest is paid, that the deposit is not last month's rent, the kinds of deductions allowed, and the number of days after move-out for its return with an itemised list of any deductions. The tenant countersigns to show they received and read it.
- Best for
- Recording a security or damage deposit at the start of a tenancy
- Signed by
- Landlord confirms receipt; tenant acknowledges the terms
- Covers
- Amount, where held, interest, allowed deductions, return period
- Length
- 2 pages
When to use a security deposit receipt
- Taking a deposit from a new tenant at lease signing
- Giving the tenant the deposit scheme details in writing
- A deposit paid in cash or by cheque that needs a proper record
- A private landlord letting a property for the first time
- Replacing a handwritten note from an older tenancy with a clear receipt
What you fill in
13 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: landlord, tenant.
1 The tenancy
- Date of this receipt*
- Landlord or agent*
- Tenant name(s)*
- Address of the rented property*
- Date of the lease*
2 The deposit
- Currency*
- Deposit received*
- Date received*
- Paid by* bank transfer · cash · cheque · money order · debit or credit card
3 Where it is held
- Where the deposit is held*
- Scheme or account reference (optional)
- Interest* No interest is paid on the deposit, unless the law requires it. · Interest earned on the deposit will be paid to the Tenant as the law requires.
4 Return
- Days after move-out to return the deposit*
5 Who signs
- Landlord signature and date · The landlord or the agent who received the deposit.
- Tenant signature and date · The tenant who paid the deposit. Their signature confirms they received this receipt and read the terms.
What the security deposit receipt covers
- The deposit
- Where it is held
- What it can be used for
- Return
- Tenant's acknowledgement
Using the security deposit receipt, step by step
1 Link it to the lease
Enter the landlord, tenant, property and the date of the lease.
2 Record the deposit
Enter the amount, the date it was received and how it was paid.
3 Say where it is held
Describe the account or protection scheme, add a reference if there is one, and choose whether interest is paid.
4 Set the return period and send
Enter the number of days after move-out for the return, check the preview, sign and send it to the tenant to acknowledge.
Tips before you send it
- Look up your local deposit rules first. Caps, holding requirements and return deadlines differ widely.
- Do the move-in inspection on the same day and keep the report with this receipt.
- Ask for the tenant's forwarding address in writing when they give notice, so the return isn't delayed.
- When the tenancy ends, use a security deposit return statement to itemise deductions.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Security deposit receipt: frequently asked questions
Can the tenant use the deposit as the last month's rent?
Not under this receipt, unless the landlord agrees in writing. It says the deposit is separate from rent, which keeps it available for damage or cleaning.
What can be deducted?
Only what the lease and the law allow, typically unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning back to the move-in condition and missing keys or listed items. Each deduction must be listed in writing.
Does it register the deposit with a scheme?
No. Where the law requires a protection scheme, you register the deposit with that scheme yourself. This receipt records where it is held and the reference.
Is an electronically signed deposit receipt valid?
Electronic signatures are generally accepted for a receipt like this in the US, UK, EU and Canada. If your local deposit rules require specific prescribed information, include it as well. FileIt attaches an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion.