How do I send a formal demand letter to my landlord in Romania before filing a claim?

If a tenant in Romania wants to recover a security deposit from a landlord who is refusing to return it, sending a formal written notice is a good first step to show that the tenant attempted to resolve the matter amicably before going to court. The letter should clearly identify both parties by full name, address, and contact details, and it should mention the rental agreement including the address of the rented property and the date when the tenancy started and ended. The tenant should state the amount of the security deposit that was paid, confirm that the property was returned to the landlord in proper condition (unless normal wear and tear exists), and formally request the return of the deposit within a specific time period, usually 7 to 14 days. The notice should also state that if the landlord fails to return the deposit within the given deadline, the tenant may take further legal action to recover the amount, including filing a claim in the competent court and seeking any applicable costs.

For the notice to have evidentiary value, it should be sent in a way that proves delivery. In Romania the safest methods are sending the letter by registered post with acknowledgment of receipt through Poșta Română or using a bailiff (executor judecătoresc) to formally serve the notice. Email or messaging applications can also be used as supplementary communication, but they may not always be considered strong proof of service if the case goes to court. The tenant should keep copies of the letter, the postal receipt, and the delivery confirmation because these documents can later demonstrate that a reasonable attempt was made to resolve the dispute before initiating legal proceedings. If the landlord still refuses to pay after the notice period expires, the tenant can then file a civil claim before the local court to recover the deposit and any related damages.