Why Accept Answer: Landlord and Mailbox Key?
The answer given on that resolved question may have been correct for the jurisdiction of the answerer…BUT there were inaccuracies….
The USPS does NOT own the mailboxes in apartment complexes. They are put in by the complex owners.
Mailbox manufacturers ALL make their mailbox banks with a standard USPS main key hole which is accessible only by a master key each Mail Carrier carries [hence it fits all mailbox banks] The individual boxes of tenants are the responsbility of the tenants/landlors…and Yes, you can copy those keys.
As the landlord, since that person was renting, he/she needs to have a mailbox key on hand, same as a key to the unit. Changing a mailbox key involves two steps….going and purchasing the lock system from a locksmith/hardware store; then awaiting the mail carrier to open the mail ‘bank’ so that one can access the individual mailbox to install a new lock mechanism.
It is NOT illegal to have a copy of a key….what is illegal is to steal/read mail
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Comments on Why Accept Answer: Landlord and Mailbox Key? »
By paragraph after the first one…
1) The USPS makes the mailbox federal property once they install their main lock. The USPS is now a privately owned company, but the MAIL is federal property until the recipient places their hand on it.
2) Maintenance is the responsibility of the LL and tennant. The USPS will fix it… for a fee.
2a) Copies can only be made at a certified, liscenced locksmith, and you can only get blanks and new locks if you are a lisc. locksmith.
3) True. Also, Landlords MUST have copies of all keys for all locks assigned or attached to the unit, to include padlocks on storage units/garages. Landlords can acess your apartment without your permission, especially in cases of emergency, required maintenance, and safety. Telling you is a couresy, (this is a grey area. You can easily say something was missing…)
I am a property manager with over 25 years experience and the answer to the mailbox key question answered above is right on the money. They are right, it is NOT illegal to have a copy of the mailbox key. It IS illegal to remove mail from the mailbox/read the mail. What is also illegal is placing anything not serviced by the USPS in the mail boxes, ie: property newsletters, flyers etc.