If a tenant vacates a rental property, how must the landlord notify the tenant about the final accounting of the security deposit?

The requirement for landlords to notify tenants about the final accounting of the security deposit through a written letter is grounded in the legal standards that ensure clear communication and proper documentation. In many jurisdictions, including South Carolina, landlords are mandated to provide a written statement detailing how the security deposit has been used. This written letter serves multiple purposes: it provides an official record of the transaction, which is important for both the landlord and tenant, and it protects both parties in case of disputes.

Using a written letter ensures that the tenant has a tangible reference they can keep for their records. It also establishes a clear timeline for when the notification was made, which can be critical if there are disagreements later on about the handling of the security deposit. While other methods of communication, such as phone calls or emails, may be more immediate, they do not fulfill the requirement for formality and documentation that a written notice provides. Personal communication might also lack the necessary detail and clarity that a formal letter would supply.

Thus, providing this notification in writing aligns with best practices in property management and legal compliance.