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How To Stop Getting Mail From Previous Resident
Sometimes when moving into a new apartment, you may discover that you're receiving the mail of prior tenants. The United States Postal Service delivers thousands of letters and packages every single day and is not always aware when people move into a new home. If this situation applies to you, we want to help you stop getting old tenants' mail so you can keep the focus on the mail that is meant for you.
Here at The Commons & Landing at Southgate, Minot’s premier apartment community, we are accustomed to helping residents sort out this exact scenario and want to give you the insight to figure it out for yourself!
How to Stop Mail from a Previous Resident: Write on the Envelope
If you're still receiving mail from the post office that isn't yours, there are several things you can do. The first is to write "Person No Longer Lives at This Address" on the outside of the envelope and place it back in the mailbox.
This lets the mail carrier know that there’s been a change of residence. They will then bring the mail back to the post office and update the system. This simple tip should help inform the USPS of the change.
Be aware that you may have to do this several times until the system gets updated. Make sure you write the words clearly using a black or blue pen so it's clear and easy for the mail carrier to see.
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Try Writing "Return to Sender"
If writing out "Person No Longer Lives at This Address” doesn't work, you can write the words "Return To Sender" clearly on each envelope. Leave the unwanted mail in your mailbox, and if there's a barcode, cross it out.
When you cross out the barcode, it eliminates any confusion and prevents the mail from being automatically processed. Once this happens, it should trigger a manual inspection at the post office and will alert the postal service.
Always check to ensure that you've blacked out the barcode completely. Use a black marker or ink pen and cross it out horizontally and vertically so the postal service equipment can no longer scan it automatically.
How to Stop Getting Old Tenants' Mail: Write a Note on the Mailbox
The next option is writing a note and placing it outside of your mailbox. Using strong tape, attach the note securely to the mailbox in an area where the mail carrier can easily see it.
There's no specific wording you need to use in this case. Simply write something that clearly explains the issue, such as "Jane Doe does not live at this address anymore." Another option is to write "Only the following people live here…" and include your name and anyone else who lives with you.
This is one way that you can alert your mail carrier so that they know the previous tenant doesn't reside here any longer. Just make sure to attach the note to the mailbox on a day with mild weather so that it doesn’t disappear or get damaged!
Go to The Post Office
If your notes aren't working, then you might have to go to your local post office and talk to someone in person. There's a good chance that the mail carrier hasn’t seen your notes or that the mail is simply following the natural "flow" in the system.
Try to provide as much documentation as possible. Include a copy of your lease, utility bills that reference your new address, along with your driver's license.
You can also show documentation of how many times you've received the old tenant's mail. Make sure you include specific dates and inform the representative that the prior tenant no longer resides there.
If you happen to see your mail carrier out and about, you can also try approaching them directly. Let them know that you are a new tenant and that you're still getting mail for the previous resident. They should be able to make a note and alert the post office.
Try Forwarding the Mail
As you try out different ideas, another option is forwarding the mail to the prior tenant. If by any chance you know the prior tenant's new address, then you can forward the mail to them.
Simply cross out the old address and write the tenant's new address on the envelope, then add the words "Forward To".
Another way to keep old mail from coming to you is by informing the sender. In some cases, this could be the easiest way to alert someone that the person no longer lives at this address.
Finally, you can tell someone who knows them personally. Perhaps a neighbor knew the tenant and could hold onto their mail for them or return it whenever they see them next.
Important Tips
The most important thing is that you never destroy someone else's mail or throw it away. Technically, tampering with mail is illegal, so make sure to never toss it out or destroy it if you can avoid it. The only mail you can throw away is mail that is addressed to the “current resident” or “to whom it may concern” because it is not considered personal mail.
You should also never open someone else's mail, as this is illegal. Instead, simply store the mail in a safe place until you can return it to its rightful owner.
It's perfectly legal to cross out the barcode on USPS mail and write notes on the envelope. But you should never hide it, open it, or destroy it.
Say Goodbye to Unwanted Mail
There it is! Now you know how to return mail to a previous resident while making sure that any future mail gets redirected back to them. Eventually, the USPS will learn where the new mail needs to go so you don’t have to deal with it any longer! We hope these tips are helpful.
When you’re searching for your next home in Minot, ND, please visit us at The Commons & Landing at Southgate. Our studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans are designed to maximize modern comfort, breathability, and a sophisticated sense of style.
Schedule your tour today and discover The Commons & Landing at Southgate— where your new home awaits.