How to find tenant who owe money?

Question

Just wondering what methods landlords use to find tenants who move out, owe money and do not provide a forwarding address? The security deposit itemization checklist has to be mailed, and so does the potential small claims papers.

Can skip tracers help finding where they moved to?
Any advice is appreciated

Can skip tracers help finding where they moved to?Any advice is appreciated

Patti Robertson · Answer

@Jan H. - Easiest way is to wait a few months and then repull their credit. You should have permission to do so on your application. The credit report will show their most recent address, as long as they have transferred their bills there.

Michele Fischer · Answer

Realisticially, the chance of recovering any funds is slim to none.

We turn our paperwork over to a collections agency.  We have never seen any payments, but makes me feel better.  A lawyer once told us that you can fill out a form with the IRS to forgive them the debt which becomes taxable income for them, another feel good tactic.

For small claims you would need to find them, but for move out paperwork you can mail it to the rental address if they don't provide a forwarding address.  In our experience about half of them get forwarded on and half we file away to show that we made a good faith effort.