Security deposit itemization

How should a landlord mail a security deposit itemization, and what if there's no forwarding address?

Updated November 12, 2026 · By the Landlord Notice Mail team

Mail it to the tenant's forwarding address, or if they gave none, to their last known address (often the rental unit), by the method your statute names: certified mail in Florida, first-class mail in Arizona and Washington. Keep proof of the mailing date, a copy of the statement and any returned envelope.

Which mail method the statute names
State	Method named	Address
Florida	Certified mail (notice of claim)	Last known mailing address (83.49)
Arizona	First-class mail, unless agreed otherwise in writing	Last known place of residence (33-1321)
Washington	Personal delivery or first-class mail	Last known address (59.18.280)
Virginia	Per 55.1-1202	Tenant's last known place of residence (55.1-1202)
Other states	Check the deposit statute	Forwarding or last known address

First-Class plus certified, when it helps

When the statute says first-class mail, send it First-Class. If you also want proof of the date, send a second copy by Certified Mail; a USPS Certificate of Mailing is another low-cost proof of mailing for First-Class letters. Florida's certified-mail requirement is met with a single certified letter.

No forwarding address

Ask for a forwarding address in your move-out letter and at the walkthrough.
If none is given, use the last known address the statute points to, which may be the unit itself (USPS forwarding may still reach the tenant).
Keep the returned envelope unopened with the tracking record as evidence you mailed on time.
Some states change the rules when no address is given. Texas, for example, ties some deposit obligations to receiving a forwarding address (Prop. Code 92.107). Check yours.

Quick answers

What if a tenant has no forwarding address for the deposit?

Mail to the last known address (often the unit) by the method your statute names and keep the returned envelope and tracking.

Should I enclose the refund check in the same letter?

Most statutes expect the balance with the statement. Our service prints what you send and can't enclose checks, so mail the check yourself or pay electronically and say so in the statement.

Does certified mail satisfy a first-class mail requirement?

Certified Mail is an extra service added to First-Class Mail, but if your statute names first-class, the safest course is to send a plain First-Class copy too.

What to do next

Send the itemized statement by First-Class ($3.99) and Certified with return receipt ($17.99), or use 2 of your 5 certified notices on the $29/month Landlord plan.

Send a deposit itemization

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.