📬 Why Getting a Tenant’s Forwarding Address Is So Important

When a tenant moves out, most landlords focus on one immediate question:What should I do about the security deposit?

But there’s another step that’s just as important — and often overlooked:👉 Obtaining a valid forwarding address.

1. Required for Proper Security Deposit Handling

Under Missouri law, the forwarding address is critical to:

• Send the itemized list of deductions, and

• Return any remaining security deposit within the required time.

  
  

Without a forwarding address, disputes become more likely — and documentation becomes even more important.

2. ESSENTIAL FOR COLLECTING BACK RENT OR DAMAGES

THIS IS THE BIG ONE, and many landlords don’t realize this:

Even after a tenant vacates, you may still have the right to sue for unpaid rent, lease break fees, or property damage.

To move forward with a breach-of-contract case, you typically need a reliable address so the tenant can be:

• Personally served with the lawsuit, or

  • This is very important. In order to actually collect (i.e., get money into your bank account) from a lawsuit, the defendant must nearly always be physically handed the lawsuit (paperwork). This is unlike an eviction, where the paperwork can simply be posted onto their door. 

• Properly notified through lawful service methods.

  • Rare and must be approved by the court (time consuming). 

    
    

No forwarding address can mean:

• Extra time locating the tenant,

• Higher service costs, and

• Delays in obtaining a judgment.

  
  

3. It Protects Your Ability to Enforce a Judgment Later

If you ultimately obtain a judgment for money owed,having accurate address information helps with:

• Locating employment or bank accounts,

• Garnishment efforts, and

• Long-term collection strategy.

  
  

In short, a simple forwarding address today can make the difference betweenan uncollectible debt and real recovery later.

Practical Tip

Before move-out, consider requesting the forwarding address in writing as part of:

• A move-out checklist, or

• The security-deposit disposition form.

This small step can save significant time and money down the road.

Need Help Recovering What You’re Owed?

If a former tenant left owing rent or caused damage, we can help you evaluate:

• Whether a lawsuit makes financial sense, and

• The most efficient path to collection.

  
  

Best,

Landlord Legal STL