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Lease glossary

Forwarding address

A forwarding address is the mailing address a tenant gives the landlord, in writing, for the security deposit refund and any itemized statement after move-out. Without one, a landlord may not be able to return the deposit on time, and in some states the deadline only starts once it is given.

Example

A tenant moves out of a Texas rental on June 30, 2026 and hands over a written forwarding address the same day. The landlord has 30 days, until July 30, to refund the deposit or explain the deductions. Under Texas law, a tenant who never gives a forwarding address does not lose the deposit, but the landlord’s deadline does not start until they do.

In a lease it looks like…

Tenant shall give Landlord a written forwarding address at or before move-out. Landlord shall mail the security deposit refund and any itemized statement to that address.

Good to know

Give it in writing and keep a copy: a dated email or text can work, though a letter is clearer. Putting it in the notice to vacate means the move-out date and the address arrive together, and the landlord cannot say they never had it.

Plain English, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.