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I just received my security deposit refund for last year's apartment, and it's made out to both me and my roommate. Unfortunately we are now living far away from each other.

The check is made out to "His name & My name".

I would like to endorse it and then mail it to him so that he may deposit it (I owe him money anyway). What is the proper way to do this?

If I sign my name, can he sign his and then deposit it in his account? Should I write "Pay to the order of his name"?

I understand that both of us need to endorse the check for it to be deposited, but I want to effectively sign it over to him so that no complications come up when he's trying to deposit it in his own account.

Edit: This is in the United States, btw.

Sapph
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3 Answers3

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I think it depends on the bank rules, on both sides. Arguably, because of the "&", the bank where your room mate is going to deposit it might require you to be present as well.

I'm quite certain that both of you have to be present for cashing, but for depositing - check with the bank where it's going to be deposited. It would be safe to have both signatures (as you described), but it may happen that they'll refuse to deposit it if it's a non-joint account and only one is present. I would suggest calling and asking them.

If you can have the landlord change it to "and/or" instead of "and" - it would definitely make your life easier.

bstpierre
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littleadv
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The easiest way to handle this is to endorse the check "For Deposit Only" without signature, deposit a check, and pay your roommate out of band. Deposit via ATM will result in less hassle as well.

Multi-party endorsements are very unusual these days, and you'll probably get grief from the bank unless both names are on the account, particularly if you are living in different states.

duffbeer703
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If you think there's going to be a big hassle with depositing the check, then it might be easier to ask the landlord if you could bring them the check you have and get them to replace it with two checks, each for half the amount, with one made out to him, the other to you. (and a memo line entry that each one is for 1/2 of damage deposit)

Chuck van der Linden
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