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Ask a landlord to return your security deposit

  • For Job seekers
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You moved out for a new job, and your old landlord hasn't returned your deposit. Write an email under 110 words in plain text. The first sentence asks for the $1,200 deposit by a specific date: 30 days after move-out, as the lease says. Include your move-out date, that you left keys and photos, and your new mailing address. No threats or legal claims. End with "Thanks, Sam Rivera". Write a prompt that gets you exactly that.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • No date in the ask. The AI asks for the deposit "soon" or "at your earliest convenience." Try: Add: "First sentence: ask for the $1,200 by November 19, 30 days after move-out."
  • Missing the new address. The AI forgets the one thing she needs to mail the check. Try: Add: "Include my new address."
  • Picking up threats. The AI follows your brother and cites laws or small claims. Try: Add: "Friendly and firm, no legal talk. End with: Thanks, Sam Rivera".
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 110 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "4 short sentences under 20 words each, then the address and sign-off."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Puts the ask first
  • Names the date
  • Includes the address
  • Rules out threats
  • Sets a word limit

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