State Specific Question About: MISSOURI (MO)

I recently evicted my tenant and I'm wondering how to handle the security deposit. The judgment is for an amount more than twice the security deposit and it's my understanding that in Missouri I wouldn't have to owe them anything. Am I required to send them a letter with itemized damages and explanation of no refund?

Also, what should I do with their mail that keeps arriving? I don't know where they moved to.

For the mail, return to sender. DO NOT keep the mail. Mind you, you may get info from the mail, like where they work or bank, who their friends/relatives are. Good info if you need to garnish wages or bank accounts.

Look up Missouri laws regarding what to do with deposit.

VERY IMPORTANT. Send letter (within 30 day period) listing damages and costs. Letter should also list the BALANCE DUE.

As June advised, be sure to send a reasonably detailed accounting of the damages within 30 days. For the amount owed, include the damages and the rent owed (from the judgment). Then give a credit for the amount of the security deposit. Yours will show a balance due.

Send it to the last known address, which presumably is the place they rented it from you. Don't bother with certified mail - it almost never is delivered because the tenant doesn't want to get it. However, I always use a certificate of mailing - also much cheaper - and it shows that you mailed them something. That always has stood up in Jackson County where I am.

If the damages are less than the security deposit - and part of the security deposit is applied to the judgment - you should file that information to the court since that would be considered a payment against the judgment.

If the damages are more than the security deposit, not even counting the judgment, you could go to small claims court. However, the challenge is getting the debtor served, tough even when you know the current address - which you don't.

Ok, that answers all my questions.