Security deposit return sent back

[Matthew Paul]

This is a first for me , a tenant who was in a hurry for their deposit back , never accepted the certified mail and it was returned  to me as undeliverable .   So Now I have a sealed envelope with a check in it . Question is , what is my next move ?   I know I cant open the envelope in case she tries to say I with held the deposit against the law .  But do I try and resend ?   Do nothing at all ?    Wait and redeposit the check ?   Call her ? Or wait for her to contact me ?  

[Jeff B.]

Originally posted by @Account Closed:

@J Beard When I was a manager in Dallas many years ago we did everything by the book, and the tenant would stop by the office and pick up the check. I disagree. The landlord cannot keep the deposit, and I know landlords are good at texting and email so get the money to the tenant. Yes been to court many times when we need to evict tenants, and we never stole any security deposit. We always made it right with the tenant. That is the reason cities are putting new laws on the books to go after dishonest landlords.

You misread me assuming my intent.  I didn't say flat out keep it.  Calif requires a return within 21 days.

But when the tenant leaves no forwarding address, and they make no attempt to contact the LL, then the last choice is registered mail to the last known address (the unit they occupied). If they posted a forwarding address to the USPS, then they will receive it AS THEY SHOULD, but if not, it comes back marked undelivereable.  There's nothing else that CAN be done.  I always operate with the law and did everything I could to make the tenant whole.  I resent being called dishonest and a thief.