Is it legal for my landlord to make me share a mailbox with other tenants?

Question

I live in the state of NY and just moved into my apartment August 1. When I asked about mail my landlord told me there is one mailbox for the whole building. That includes 3-4 apartments and an insurance company on the bottom floor I believe. I also have not even received a key to this mailbox yet. I asked if he would be getting each apartment their own mailbox and he said it wasn't his priority and mayne he'd do it in a couple months. Is this even legal? I thought it was illegal to go through someone else's mailbox so how can we all share one?

Answer 1

Here's an idea, go buy one for $15 and put your name on it and save the hassle.

Answer 2

You will have to research the state and local laws of your area. Typically, a landlord is NOT required to provide you a box unless they fall within a "multiple unit" dwelling designation. Usually, that designation is 5 or more units. It sounds like your building may qualify. With that said, you can't force a landlord to do anything without getting an attorney involved, or risk not getting your lease renewed. I second the suggestions that you get your own PO Box at a local shipping store (UPS store usually has PO Boxes) or at your local USPS. A basic box is probably $20 a month. To those suggesting you just put up your own mailbox: That is probably more illegal than not providing a mailbox. You can't just put up your own. You typically have to be the owner of the property to do so. If it is a multi-unit establishment, typically, the mailboxes must be set up by the United States Postal Service. There is no guarantee that if you were to purchase your own box that the USPS would even deliver to it. So, I also suggest, before you purchase anything, going to your local post office that will be delivering your mail and asking what the requirements are for installing your own.

Answer 3

I don't think sharing a mailbox between two different homes is all that kosher, I know that in a multi unit building there must be one mailbox per suite (no exceptions); contact the post office to find out for sure.

Answer 4

Illegal, Illegal, Illegal. Each apartment MUST have it's own mail box with a lock.



I would go to the local post office and talk with the post master. Explain what is happening. They will require the landlord to install mail boxes.

Answer 5

It's illegal to go through someone's mail - not a mailbox. Shared boxes are common - there's no guaranteed to locked mailboxes, really.

Answer 6

It is against the law to do that. All that cheap %(*$#) has to do is to buy another mailbox and the problem is solved.

Answer 7

I would Not be ok with that. If it were me I would ask if he would allow me to put my own mailbox it. All you need is wood and a $20 plastic mailbox you buy at a hardware store.

Answer 8

No.



It's not legal. It's a violation of the Private Express Statutes.



Notify your postmaster.

Answer 9

I would not be doing that. I would get myself a po box at the usps.