Initial Notice to Vacate: How to Mail

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I'm starting the eviction process on a tenant for non-payment in Tennessee. I was planning to send the initial notice to vacate by certified mail/return receipt requested. However, I have used this method in the past, and I know that the recipient does not have to accept the mailing. What do you do if they just don't accept it/sign for it? I know the tenant is not home in the day, so he'll get a notice that there's a certified letter at the post office. He's smart enough to know what it is, so why would he ever go get it?

The post office has another service called "Certificate of Mailing," but from what I can see, it only verifies that you dropped it off at the post office, not that it was delivered. Since both proof of delivery and the date of delivery are important, I don't think this method is very good.

What method do you other landlords use? Am I missing something here?

Thanks

[Jeff Takle]

You don't have to be next door. Look up the local sherrif and give them a call. They all have email. Pay them over the phone with a credit card and give them the details for the notice on email. Best $24 you'll spend in the whole potential eviction process.

I've done this 500 miles away from my property in Virginia. Easy.