How to stop previous owners mail
A common problem! Stopping previous owners' mail can be a bit of a challenge, but I'll provide you with some steps to help you resolve the issue.
Why is this happening?
When you buy a new property, the previous owners' mail may continue to be delivered to your address because the postal service doesn't always update its records immediately. This is especially common if the previous owners didn't notify the post office of their move or if the property was sold without a formal transfer of ownership.
How to stop previous owners' mail:
- Contact the post office: Visit your local post office or mail center and speak with a representative. Provide them with the previous owners' names, your name, and your new address. They will need to update their records to stop delivering mail to the old address.
- Fill out a change of address form: You can also fill out a change of address form (PS Form 3575) and submit it to the post office. This form will help the postal service update their records and stop delivering mail to the old address.
- Contact the previous owners: If you have contact information for the previous owners, you can try reaching out to them and asking them to notify the post office of their move. This may help expedite the process.
- Check with your local government: In some cases, the previous owners may have left behind a forwarding address or a notice with the local government. You can contact your local government office to see if they have any information that can help you stop the mail.
- Monitor your mail: Keep an eye on your mail and report any undeliverable mail to the post office. This will help them identify the issue and update their records accordingly.
Additional tips:
- If you're experiencing issues with junk mail or unwanted solicitations, you can also register with the National Do Not Mail List (NDNML) or the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS).
- Consider setting up a mailbox lock or a secure mailbox to prevent unauthorized access to your mail.
- If you're still experiencing issues after following these steps, you may want to contact your local postal inspector or file a complaint with the USPS.
I hope these steps help you stop the previous owners' mail and get your new address set up smoothly!