What to do with mail from old tenants
The joys of dealing with mail from old tenants! Here are some steps to help you manage and dispose of mail from previous renters:
- Sort and categorize: Go through the mail and separate it into categories, such as:
- Bills and invoices
- Correspondence (letters, emails, etc.)
- Packages and deliveries
- Miscellaneous (junk mail, catalogs, etc.)
- Check for important documents: Look for any important documents, such as:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, etc.)
- Rent receipts or payment records
- Lease agreements or contracts
- Insurance policies or claims
- Warranties or product registrations
- Contact the sender: If you find a bill or invoice, contact the sender (e.g., utility company, bank, etc.) to:
- Confirm the account is closed
- Request a final bill or statement
- Set up a new account in your name (if necessary)
- Dispose of unnecessary mail: Recycle or shred any unnecessary mail, such as:
- Junk mail (catalogs, flyers, etc.)
- Unwanted solicitations (credit card offers, etc.)
- Old newsletters or magazines
- Keep records: Keep a record of any important documents or correspondence, such as:
- A folder or binder for each tenant, with copies of relevant documents
- A digital file or cloud storage for storing electronic documents
- Notify the tenant: If you're still in contact with the tenant, let them know that you've received their mail and will be taking care of it. This can help prevent any confusion or disputes.
- Consider a "lost mail" policy: Establish a policy for handling lost or misplaced mail from previous tenants. This can include:
- Setting a timeframe for responding to lost mail (e.g., 30 days)
- Providing a contact method for tenants to report lost mail
- Offering to forward mail to the tenant if they request it
Remember to always follow your local laws and regulations regarding the handling and disposal of mail.