certified mail
Definition
Certified mail is a special postal service that gives you official proof that you sent a document and that the other person actually received it. The post office collects a signature from the recipient and gives you a tracking number so you can confirm delivery.
Example
If you need to notify a tenant that you are terminating their lease, sending that notice by certified mail creates a paper trail proving they got the message on a specific date.
Watch Out
Some legal deadlines and contracts specifically require certified mail, so using regular mail or email instead could mean your notice is treated as if you never sent it at all.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.