Tenant did not cash security deposit check

[Jenn Doll]

Hi,

When our tenants moved out, they gave us a PO Box address to forward the security deposit refund check. We mailed it out but now we received a notification from USPS that it was delivered to their PO Box but they have not picked it up and if they don't do it within a week, it will be returned to us. We emailed the tenant about this and asked them to pick up asap.

My question is what do we do if they don't pick it up? We fulfilled our duties, its up to them to pick it up. We were thinking next we can just have it delivered to the PO Box without a signature requirement. What happens if they never pick it up or cash the check? We had the bank make out the check in their name. This is in NJ

[JD Martin]

Most states have an "unclaimed property" law that has you send the amount to the state with an explanation who it is for and their identifying information. Also, you don't have to send it signature confirmation. The cashed check (or uncashed) is proof enough of signature or lack thereof.