How to deal with mail from previous tenant

The joys of inheriting a previous tenant's mail! Here are some steps to help you deal with mail from a previous tenant:

  1. Sort and prioritize: Go through the mail and separate it into categories, such as:
    • Bills and invoices
    • Important documents (e.g., tax-related, insurance, or legal notices)
    • Junk mail and advertisements
    • Personal correspondence (e.g., letters, cards, or packages)
  2. Contact the previous tenant: Reach out to the previous tenant to inform them that you've received their mail. You can do this by:
    • Leaving a note or a message with the mail
    • Sending an email or text message
    • Calling them (if you have their contact information)
    • Posting a notice on their old mailbox or door (if applicable)
  3. Forward or redirect: If the previous tenant is still in the area, you can forward their mail to their new address. You can do this by:
    • Filling out a change of address form with the US Postal Service (USPS)
    • Providing the previous tenant's new address and your contact information
    • Paying any applicable fees
  4. Return to sender: If the previous tenant has moved out of the area or is no longer reachable, you can return the mail to the sender. You can do this by:
    • Using the return address on the envelope to send the mail back to the sender
    • Contacting the sender directly to inform them of the situation
  5. Shred or recycle: If the mail is junk or contains sensitive information, you can shred or recycle it to protect your privacy and the previous tenant's.
  6. Keep important documents: If you receive important documents, such as bills or invoices, that are addressed to the previous tenant, you can:
    • Keep a copy for your records
    • Contact the sender to confirm the previous tenant's account status
    • Pass the documents along to the previous tenant if they contact you
  7. Consider a lockbox: If you're concerned about receiving mail from the previous tenant, you can install a lockbox or a secure mailbox to prevent unauthorized access.

Remember to always follow local laws and regulations regarding mail and tenant responsibilities. If you're unsure about how to handle the mail, you can consult with your landlord or property manager for guidance.