Notice of Returned Check
Tentunit Template Library · Version 1.0 · [TEMPLATE — review before use]
Important: This is a general-purpose template provided for convenience under the Tentunit Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice. It is not legal advice and is not state-specific unless expressly labeled. Landlord–tenant requirements (notice periods, day counts, service methods, disclosures) vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify against current local law — or consult a licensed attorney — before use. Complete every [BRACKETED FIELD] and delete instructions in italics before sending.
[DATE]
[TENANT NAME] [PROPERTY ADDRESS] [UNIT NUMBER, IF ANY] [CITY, STATE ZIP]
RE: Returned Check — Payment for [RENT PERIOD, e.g., July 2026 rent] at [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Dear [TENANT NAME],
We are writing to notify you that the following check, submitted as payment for [RENT PERIOD / DESCRIPTION OF CHARGE], was returned unpaid by the bank:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Check number | [CHECK NUMBER] |
| Check date | [CHECK DATE] |
| Check amount | $[CHECK AMOUNT] |
| Bank’s stated reason | [REASON, e.g., insufficient funds / account closed / stop payment] |
| Date returned | [DATE BANK RETURNED CHECK] |
Because the check was not honored, the underlying payment is considered unpaid.
Amount now due:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original payment amount | $[CHECK AMOUNT] |
| Returned-check fee (per lease Section [SECTION NUMBER] and applicable law) | $[RETURNED-CHECK FEE] |
| Late fee, if applicable (per lease Section [SECTION NUMBER]) | $[LATE FEE AMOUNT OR “0.00”] |
| Total due | $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE] |
Delete before sending: many states cap the returned-check (NSF) fee a landlord may charge by statute — verify the cap in your jurisdiction and confirm your lease authorizes the fee. Also confirm whether a late fee may be charged in addition to the NSF fee: in most cases a late fee applies only if the replacement payment arrives after the lease’s grace period, and some jurisdictions limit stacking both fees. Adjust the table accordingly.
Replacement payment deadline. The total amount due must be received no later than [PAYMENT DEADLINE DATE]. Payment must be made in guaranteed funds by one of the following accepted methods:
- Certified or cashier’s check payable to [PAYEE NAME]
- Money order payable to [PAYEE NAME]
- Electronic payment via [PAYMENT PORTAL / SERVICE NAME]
- Other: [DESCRIBE ACCEPTED METHOD]
Personal checks will not be accepted for this replacement payment.
Future payments. Because of this returned check, all rent payments from [START DATE] forward must be made by [REQUIRED METHOD(S), e.g., certified funds or the online payment portal], as permitted by Section [SECTION NUMBER] of the lease. Delete if your lease does not authorize changing the accepted payment method, and verify local law permits this requirement.
If the total due is not received by the deadline above, the payment will be treated as unpaid rent and we may pursue the remedies available under the lease and applicable law, including a notice to pay rent or quit. If you believe the check was returned in error, please contact your bank and then contact us immediately at [PHONE NUMBER] or [EMAIL ADDRESS].
Sincerely,
[LANDLORD / AGENT NAME] [TITLE, e.g., Owner or Property Manager] [COMPANY NAME, IF ANY] [PHONE NUMBER] · [EMAIL ADDRESS] [MAILING ADDRESS]
Proof of Service (complete and retain a copy for your records)
I, [NAME OF PERSON SERVING NOTICE], served this notice on [DATE OF SERVICE] by:
- Personal delivery to the tenant
- Posting in a conspicuous place at the rental unit
- Certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address above
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [DATE]
Provided by Tentunit — see the Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice at help.tentunit.com/policies/templates-disclaimer.