Tell your landlord first, then update government records

Changing your mailing address involves two separate steps: notifying your landlord in writing, and updating your address with any government agencies that send you housing-related mail. Your landlord needs to know where to send lease renewals, rent payment receipts, maintenance notices, and eviction papers if a dispute arises. Government agencies — including your local housing authority, tax assessor, and voter registration — need your current address so you receive notices about property taxes, housing programs, or legal proceedings.

The order matters. Start with your landlord because they are the person most likely to need to reach you urgently. Then update each government agency separately, since there is no single national system that changes your address everywhere at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Notify your landlord in writing (email, certified mail, or hand-delivered letter) before you move, and keep a copy for your records.
  • Your landlord must have your new address to send you lease documents, rent receipts, and legal notices — missing a notice can affect your rights in a dispute.
  • Update your address separately with your county assessor, local housing authority, voter registration, and any utility companies, since they do not share records.
  • If you receive mail at your old address after moving, contact the sender directly with your new address rather than relying on mail forwarding alone.
  • Keep proof that you notified your landlord, such as a dated email or signed receipt, in case a legal issue arises later.

How to notify your landlord in writing

Write a short letter or email to your landlord stating your current address, your new address, and the date you are moving. Include your unit number or property identifier so there is no confusion about which tenant you are. Send it by email (and ask for a read receipt), certified mail with return receipt, or hand-deliver it and ask for a dated signature. Keep a copy of the letter and any proof of delivery.

If your lease requires you to give notice before moving, follow the timeline in your lease — typically 30 to 60 days. Even if your lease does not specify, sending notice at least two weeks before you move gives your landlord time to update their records and reduces the chance that important mail reaches your old address.

If you are renting through a property management company, send the notice to the address listed on your lease or rent payment instructions, not to the building itself. Some companies have separate mail processing departments.

Update your address with the county assessor and tax office

Your county assessor's office maintains records of who owns or rents each property. If you are a tenant, updating your address there ensures you receive any notices about property tax appeals, code violations, or housing inspections that may affect your lease. Contact your county assessor's office directly — most accept address changes by phone, mail, or online portal.

Search "[your county name] assessor" or "[your county name] tax assessor" to find the office website and phone number. Have your property address and new mailing address ready when you call. Some counties allow you to update your address online through their property records portal.

Update your address with your local housing authority

If you receive any housing assistance — Section 8 vouchers, public housing, or emergency rental aid — your local housing authority needs your new address. Contact the authority directly by phone or in person; do not assume they will learn your new address from your landlord or another agency.

Your housing authority's contact information is on any documents they sent you, or you can search "[your city or county name] housing authority" online. Tell them your case number or tenant ID, your old address, and your new address. Ask them to confirm the change in writing or by email so you have proof.

Update voter registration and utility accounts

Your local election office needs your new address to send you voter registration cards and polling place information. You can update your voter registration online in most states through your secretary of state's website, or by mail using a voter registration form. Search "[your state] voter registration" to find the online portal or request a form.

Contact each utility company — electric, gas, water, internet — separately with your new address. Most utilities allow you to update your address by phone or online account portal. Updating your address with utilities ensures you receive bills and service notices at the correct location and prevents service interruptions if mail is returned as undeliverable.

Use mail forwarding as a backup, not a primary solution

The U.S. Postal Service offers mail forwarding, which redirects mail from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. You can set up forwarding online at usps.com, by mail, or at your local post office. Mail forwarding costs money and is temporary, so it should not be your only step.

Mail forwarding does not reach all senders — some government agencies and courts do not honor forwarding orders, and mail marked "do not forward" will be returned to the sender. If you miss a notice from your landlord or a court because it was returned as undeliverable, you may lose important rights. Direct notification is always more reliable.

What to do if mail arrives at your old address

If you receive mail at your old address after moving, contact the sender directly with your new address. Write on the envelope "Return to Sender — Moved" and put it back in the mail, but also call or email the organization that sent it. This is especially important for mail from courts, government agencies, or your landlord.

Keep a record of any important mail that arrives late — such as eviction notices or housing program notices — and the date you received it. If a deadline has passed, contact the sender immediately to explain the delay and ask whether the deadline can be extended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell my landlord my new address if I am moving out?

Yes. Your landlord may need to send you a security deposit refund, a final lease document, or a notice about property damage. If they cannot reach you, they may keep your deposit or pursue a claim against you. Providing your address in writing protects both of you.

What if my landlord refuses to acknowledge my address change?

Send the notice by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Keep the receipt. If your landlord later claims they did not know your new address, you have documentation showing you notified them.

Can I change my address online with all government agencies at once?

No. Each agency — assessor, housing authority, voter registration, utilities — maintains separate records and requires you to update them individually. There is no single system that changes your address everywhere.

How long does it take for an address change to take effect?

Most agencies process address changes within one to two weeks, but some may take longer. Contact each agency directly to ask how long the change takes, and follow up if you do not receive expected mail within three weeks.

What happens if I move and do not update my address with my housing authority?

If you receive housing assistance, your benefits may be interrupted or terminated if the authority cannot reach you. They may also send notices to your old address, and you could miss deadlines for recertification or program requirements.