Do I need to give my landlord a forwarding address to get my deposit back?
Giving your landlord a forwarding address in writing is always a good idea, and in 14 jurisdictions it changes your rights. In some, the deadline doesn't start until the landlord has it. In others, the landlord doesn't have to return the deposit until you give it, or you can lose extra damages without it. A demand letter that includes your address can count as giving it in writing.
In the other states the landlord can simply mail the deposit to your last known address, so giving a new address still helps you get it.
The deadline starts when the landlord has your address (6)
- Connecticut
If your landlord got your forwarding address late, the deadline is 15 days after they received it, if that is later.
Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-21 - Iowa
The 30 days only start once your landlord has your mailing address in writing.
Iowa Code § 562A.12 - Minnesota
The three weeks only start once your landlord has your mailing address or delivery instructions.
Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178, subd. 3 - Rhode Island
The 20 days only start once you have given your landlord a forwarding address.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19(b) - South Dakota
The 21 days only start once your landlord has your mailing address or delivery instructions.
South Dakota Codified Laws § 43-32-24 - Wyoming
If your landlord got your new address late, the deadline is 15 days after they received it, if that is later.
Wyoming Statutes § 1-21-1208(a)
The landlord's duty depends on your address (5)
- Indiana
Your landlord is not liable until you give them a mailing address in writing.
Indiana Code § 32-31-3-14 - Michigan
You must give your landlord a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after moving out; otherwise the landlord does not have to send the itemized list.
Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.609 - New Hampshire
Your landlord is not liable if the deposit was not returned because you gave no new address when the tenancy ended.
New Hampshire RSA 540-A:7 - Pennsylvania
If you did not give your landlord a new address in writing when you moved out, the landlord is relieved of liability under this law.
Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, § 512(a) (68 P.S. § 250.512(a)) - Texas
Your landlord does not have to refund the deposit or send the itemized list until you give them a forwarding address in writing.
Texas Property Code § 92.103
The address affects extra damages (3)
- Delaware
If you did not give a forwarding address in writing by the end of the lease, the landlord is not liable for double damages.
Delaware Code, Title 25, § 5514 - Ohio
Without a written forwarding address you can still recover the deposit, but not the extra damages or attorney's fees.
Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 - South Carolina
Without a written forwarding address you may not get the extra damages if the landlord mailed everything to your last known address.
South Carolina Code § 27-40-410(a)
See exactly what applies to your dates and amounts, with the conditions for your state.
Check what applies in your state