What can a landlord do if a tenant vacates without providing a forwarding address?

When a tenant vacates a rental property without providing a forwarding address, the landlord is allowed to use a portion of the security deposit for damages incurred without needing to give the tenant notice in order to deduct those damages. This is a part of a landlord's rights under Michigan law, which typically allows for deductions from the security deposit for unpaid rent or damages to the property.

It is important to note, however, that the landlord must still comply with any relevant legal requirements regarding the handling of security deposits, including providing an itemized list of deductions if the tenant claims their deposit later or if they subsequently provide a forwarding address.

Choosing to keep the entire security deposit or charge the tenant for additional rent or file an eviction notice in this scenario does not align with the established legal framework concerning security deposits and tenant rights. The landlord's actions regarding the security deposit must be specifically justified and documented, making the option regarding damages without notice the applicable choice in this situation.