Itemized statement
Short answer
An itemized statement is a written list of deposit deductions. It should explain what the landlord kept and why. Some state rules also require receipts, invoices, or other support. A tenant can ask for the missing detail without making claims that belong on a state-specific page.
What it means
The point of an itemized statement is clarity. A vague message such as "cleaning and repairs" may not explain enough for a tenant to evaluate the charge. A stronger record names each deduction, connects it to the condition of the rental, and shows how the amount was reached. In a demand letter, the tenant can request the full statement, copies of supporting records, and return of any amount not supported by the documents. The letter should not assume the charge is fake. It should ask the landlord to connect the deduction to proof, then compare that proof to the tenant record.
When it is not this
- It is not just a total amount with no explanation.
- It is not proof that every deduction is valid.
- It is not a substitute for the state rule on timing and required content.