When a tenant moves, they may not provide a forwarding address. But there is a solution.
Have you ever had a tenant move and need to contact them by mail? Fortunately, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has a system that not only forwards mail but can also let you know the recipient’s new address—if you know the right words to put on the envelope.
📬 How Mail Forwarding Works
When someone files a Change of Address (COA) request with USPS, their mail is automatically forwarded to the new address. This lasts for 12 months for First-Class Mail. So if your tenant has done this, and you need to find out their new address, you are in luck.
Here’s the secret most people don’t know: if you include a special endorsement on your envelope, USPS may return the letter to you with the new address or send you a notice of where the person moved.
📝 The Magic Words: Ancillary Service Endorsements
These endorsements are short phrases you print on the front of the envelope, near your return address. They tell USPS how to handle undeliverable mail and whether to reveal the new address to you.
Here are the main options:
| Endorsement | What Happens | Will You Get the New Address? |
|---|---|---|
| Address Service Requested | Mail is forwarded to the recipient, and USPS sends you a notice of the new address (or returns the letter with the new address). | ✅ Yes |
| Return Service Requested | Mail is not forwarded. USPS returns the letter to you immediately with the new address attached (if available). | ✅ Yes |
| Change Service Requested | Mail is not forwarded or returned, but you receive an electronic notice of the new address (requires an account with USPS). | ✅ Yes (electronically) |
| Forwarding Service Requested | Mail is forwarded for 12 months but you do not get the new address. | ❌ No |
📌 Where to Write It
The phrase goes on the front of the envelope, just below and to the left of your return address.
Here’s a sample:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
💡 Which One Should You Use?
- If you want the mail returned with the new address attached, use Return Service Requested.
- If you’d rather the mail still be forwarded to the recipient but you also get notified, use Address Service Requested.
Both options are inexpensive and work best with First-Class Mail.
✅ Key Takeaway
If you need to get in touch in writing after someone moves, use the USPS system. By adding a simple phrase like Return Service Requested to your envelope, you can ensure your mail finds its way back to you with the updated address in hand.
