What to do when you get mail from previous tenant
The joys of moving into a new place! Receiving mail from a previous tenant can be frustrating, but it's not uncommon. Here are some steps you can take to handle the situation:
- Check the return address: Verify that the mail is indeed from a previous tenant and not a mistake or a scam.
- Contact the previous tenant (if possible): If you have the previous tenant's contact information, you can try reaching out to them to ask them to forward any remaining mail to you. This might be a good idea if you're expecting important documents or bills.
- Contact the landlord or property manager: Inform your landlord or property manager about the situation. They may be able to help you resolve the issue or provide guidance on what to do next.
- Return the mail to sender (if possible): If the mail is addressed to the previous tenant, you can try returning it to the sender. This might be a good option if the mail is not important or is a bill that the previous tenant needs to pay.
- Keep the mail (if necessary): If the mail is important or contains information that you need to know, you can keep it and file it away for your records.
- Contact the sender (if necessary): If the mail is a bill or a notice that requires your attention, you may need to contact the sender to update your information or resolve the issue.
- Consider setting up mail forwarding: If you're expecting important mail or packages, you may want to set up mail forwarding with the post office to ensure that your mail is delivered to the correct address.
Some additional tips:
- Be patient and don't panic if you receive a lot of mail from the previous tenant. It's not uncommon for there to be a backlog of mail when a new tenant moves in.
- Keep a record of the mail you receive, including the date, sender, and contents. This can help you keep track of what you've received and what you need to follow up on.
- If you're concerned about identity theft or other security issues, you may want to consider shredding any sensitive documents or information that you receive from the previous tenant.
Remember to stay calm and patient, and don't hesitate to reach out to your landlord or property manager if you need help resolving the issue.