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Updated 10 days ago on . Most recent reply

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Jackie Liu
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Votes |
15
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Evicted Tenant didn't provide forwarding address

Jackie Liu
Posted

Hello BP member, just last week I finally was able to verify with the help of the constable that the tenant has moved out. However, I have attempted to contact the tenant through email about providing the forwarding address but received no response as I would need it to send the itemized SD deduction (which includes unpaid rent, damages to the home, and an estimate to get the home cleaned as they left it in an unsanitary state.) prior to my damage hearing which is next month. It is to my understanding that I should send it to the last known address (My rental) in certified mail with return receipt. I however, like to know what would be the best way for me to:

1. Show proof that I sent the itemized SD deduction to the tenant last known address

2. Obtain proof that it was received/or returned.

From my research, I have found things like labeling the certified mail with "please forward" with return receipt. Or doing certified and requesting for a "return service requested". There was also mention of doing "Certificate of mailing" which would give you a receipt for the address it's being sent to with date, instead of certified as it would require signature.

Some additional info: this problem tenant contacted me with a different email instead of their original email stating that they have their "personal" stuff stolen, which includes their phone, ID, bank card, etc., and had the "funds" to pay rent on April 1st (1 day after the Constable delivered the official court notice.). They also state that they lost access to their old "email" and old "phone number". I did also notify them through the email they contacted me with that I have filed for eviction and to paid said fee and unpaid rent to have it dropped but received no response. Following my win on default as tenant did not show up and receiving the writ of restitution for possession on the spot. After waiting out the time allowed by court for the tenant to peacefully move out, which they didn't so I requested a red tag and truck out with the court which they had the red tag done on Wednesday 2 weeks ago (April 30th), tenant then contacted me with a "temporary number" (Kinda like Google Voice just needs Wi-Fi) that they downloaded from some app stating they see a red tag to move out and "didn't know" that there was a court hearing stating to never actually receiving an official court notice (it was delivered and received as I requested it be delivered personally by the constable, I have also obtained proof it was delivered from the court.). The following day, they attempted to file a payment plan with the court, which got denied.

Please advise, as I want this to be done with.

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Marc Winter
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Northeast PA
2,677
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Marc Winter
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Northeast PA
Replied

We always sent certified, return receipt along with regular mail.  When those were returned to us undeliverable, those letters were kept unopened in that tenant's file.  Letting the l/t judge open the letter for themselves is great evidence in our favor.

Other than that, stop communicating with that tenant--it's in the court's hands at this point.

A great word to keep in mind with this type of recalcitrant tenant:  "Next!"

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