Where to mail security deposit to if no new address?

Question

If the tenants don't provide a forwarding address, where should I mail the deposit to? It says "last known address," in the statutes. Does that mean mail it to the house they just moved out of?

Deanna McCormick · Answer

Cover yourself and send it out in the mail to the address they were living at, signature required is fine but not necessarily required by state law. If it is returned to you for lack of forwarding address keep the sealed envelope attach to their move out paperwork so you have a record that it was sent. If they call and say they didn't get it,, photocopy the returned envelope for proof of previous attempt of delivery and mail the original envelope intact to the new address in a completely new envelope.

Same procedure for CRP's at tax time proof of mailing.. is what you need to show if it is returned.

Kim Meredith Hampton · Answer

@Patrick Philip if they did not provide you with a forwarding address, you mail it by certified mail to the rental  address where they lived within 30 days of them handing over the keys

Michael Noto · Answer

@Patrick Philip Most states are very specific about this type of issue.  I would check your state laws regards tenant security deposits. For instance, in Connecticut where I am based the law reads like so

"Landlords must return security deposits with interest or give tenants written notice of damages being claimed within thirty days of when tenants move. The only exception is if a tenant fails to provide a written forwarding address: landlords then need not return security deposits or provide a notice of damages until fifteen days after receipt of a forwarding address in writing."

Source: http://www.ct.gov/dob/cwp/view.asp?a=2247&q=299050

Account Closed · Answer

So mail it to the address of the rental.  Most tenants forward their mail to their new location.

Nishma Nana · Answer

I agree with Michael to check the state laws. Here in CT I would send the check Certified mail to the address.

Bob B. · Answer

I'd send a check certified mail to the last address you have, don't give it a second thought and go buy another rental house.

Jeff B. · Answer

NO.  First, if there's a forwarding address, it goes there. Otherwise A certified letter will be presented for signature and your tenant replies "Not at this address".  That's fine too as it will be returned to you "Addressee Unknown" - - DO NOT OPEN IT and save as evidence if so needed.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

@Patrick Philip , if you are concerned that your current tenant may not know what to do with it, send them a note asking them to write FORWARD on any mail they receive in the old tenants name and put back in the box. It will either be forwarded or returned to sender.

And if it comes back to you, put it UNOPENED in your tenant file, and move on. Clear postmark will show that you tried to return it within the allotted timeframe.

Jim Adrian · Answer

@Patrick Philip

Don't forget to send the letter certified with signature return.   If your new tenants open or sign for the letter then they are breaking the laws; which they won't.  The post office will catch the forwarding address.  If it comes back to you for some reason.  Do not open the letter! Only open the letter in court if you end up there.    I think its about $5 - %6 to send it certified with signature as I did it this weekend.

Kim Meredith Hampton · Answer

@Patrick Philip Most likely they have put in a forwarding address and will make it to them. The new tenants should not sign for a certified mail for another person?? If they have not put in a forwarding address, the mail person will leave a card for them to go to the post office to pick up and sign for their certified mail. If they dont do that within 30 days, I would move forward with whatever claim you are doing.

Where to mail security deposit to if no new address?

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