Can a resident throw away mail addressed to a previous

In general, it's not recommended for a resident to throw away mail addressed to a previous occupant of the property. Here's why:

  1. Return to sender: If the mail is not delivered to the intended recipient, it may be returned to the sender, which could cause inconvenience and delay.
  2. Potential identity theft: Throwing away mail addressed to a previous occupant could potentially lead to identity theft, as the mail may contain sensitive information such as financial statements, credit card offers, or personal identification documents.
  3. Legal and ethical considerations: As a resident, you have a responsibility to handle the mail and property with care. Throwing away mail addressed to a previous occupant could be considered a breach of that responsibility.

Instead, here are some alternatives:

  1. Forward the mail: If you're a renter, you can contact the post office and request that they forward the mail to you. This way, you'll receive the mail intended for the previous occupant.
  2. Hold the mail: If you're a homeowner, you can hold onto the mail until the previous owner or their representative claims it. You can also consider storing it in a secure location, such as a locked mailbox or a safe.
  3. Contact the sender: If you're unsure what to do with the mail, you can contact the sender (e.g., a bank, credit card company, or government agency) to inform them of the situation and ask for their guidance.

Remember to always handle mail with care and respect, and consider the potential consequences of disposing of mail addressed to someone else.