Certified mail
Short answer
Certified mail is a mailing option that creates delivery records. In a deposit dispute, it can help show that a landlord received a demand letter or that delivery was attempted. It does not make the letter legally correct by itself. The content still needs to match the facts.
What it means
Certified mail is useful because deposit disputes often turn on proof. A tenant may need to show when the letter was sent, where it was sent, and what address was used. Tracking records can support that timeline. Still, certified mail is only one delivery method. Some tenants also keep copies of email, portal messages, or regular mail records. The safest approach is to keep a complete file, not rely on one receipt alone. Keep a copy of the exact letter and attachments too, because delivery proof does not show what was inside unless your own file does. Match every receipt to the final letter.
When it is not this
- It is not a court filing.
- It is not proof that every statement in the letter is true.
- It is not the only possible delivery method in every situation.