Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 4 votes
Hello All
Tenant move out on 8/20/18 and he left his bike on driveway. we have been contacting him to move bike and give us address where to send security deposit. but he do not reply to email or our messages. what we can do within the law limit of baltimore county, md? I would really appreciate your reply.
Rockaway, NJ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
8y
If he does not provide a forwarding address, direct his statement of security deposit to last known address (your rental). If he filed a change of address at post office, it'll get forwarded to him. if he didn't it'll get returned as undeliverable (send it certified). Save the returned envelope, as this is proof that you sent his security deposit back in the required timeframe.
The bike should be handled according to your local laws surrounding abandoned property.
Rockaway, NJ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
8y
If he does not provide a forwarding address, direct his statement of security deposit to last known address (your rental). If he filed a change of address at post office, it'll get forwarded to him. if he didn't it'll get returned as undeliverable (send it certified). Save the returned envelope, as this is proof that you sent his security deposit back in the required timeframe.
The bike should be handled according to your local laws surrounding abandoned property.
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 4 votes
8y
Thank you @Andrew Boettcher.
Can I send his security deposit online using his phone no or email I'd? Or it is always better to mail check in certified mail. I was asking because he always make rent payment online. Thank you.
Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 177 posts · 64 votes
8y
By bike do you mean motorcycle or bicycle? If it is a bicycle and you have a basement I would store it for as long as you are obligated to by state law (maybe 30-60 days). If this is a motorcycle you should make sure you document your attempts at contacting him and give a 3 day notice to move it prior to contacting a towing company. For the deposit just read your local regulations, send it to the last known address and if that is your rental keep the unopened certified mail envelop as proof.
Make sure you keep these funds in a completely separate account until he collects. I personally us Ally as I can create a simply savings account in like 2 minutes. Tenant is entitled to the earned interest.
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 4 votes
8y
@Matthew Paul, @Jeffrey H.
can i send personal check in certified mail? I wanted to send personal check so then if he accused of lost mail then i can stop check or bank will know where the money went.
or what is best form to sent security deposit? I really appreciate your answer.
can i send personal check in certified mail? I wanted to send personal check so then if he accused of lost mail then i can stop check or bank will know where the money went.
or what is best form to sent security deposit? I really appreciate your answer.
Thank you,
Kinjal
You've made it way to far without knowing your local landlord/tenant laws. you are very lucky that none of your mistakes so far have been egregious enough to instigate a lawsuit against you. before you continue to landlord, you need to download your local laws and learn them inside and out.
send personal check by certified mail. this gives you proof you mailed it and if anything happens, personal checks are easy to cancel.