My tenant in DC will not provide me with a forwarding address in order to get the security deposit back. Yet they are DEMANDING a full security deposit when there are damages to the apartment. They sent me an email stating that they will mail me their forwarding address? Huh? I am perplexed by their actions. Any advice?

Do you think that the cost of repairing the damages will exceed the amount of the deposit? That they are not giving you their forwarding address because they want to avoid being sued for the cost of repairs?

Go through the apartment, make a comprehensive list of the damages and an estimate of the cost of repairs. Then send the list and the balance of the deposit, if any, to the tenant by certified mail, return receipt requested, to their last known mailing address. Make sure that you write on the envelope in big block letters "Forwarding and Address Correction Requested". This way you will have fulfilled your obligation as a landlord and you should also be notified of their new address.

Since you are required to return it, or send them notice of additional damges. Do so, withint a proper time limit, if they have not provided you a forwarding address, mail it to the last known address on file. So it comes back to you, you will have proff you mailed it.

Keep copies of their emails to prove they have refused to furnish you with an address