What to Do With Mail for a Previous Tenant (Landlord Guide)
When mail keeps coming for a tenant who moved out, do not open it, throw it away or keep it. Write “Not at this address” on the envelope and put it back in your mailbox for the carrier, hand it to your mail carrier, or drop it in a USPS collection box. The Postal Service will try to return it to the sender. Below are the steps, what not to do, how to stop the mail for good, and a move out habit that prevents it.
What to do with a previous tenant’s mail
- Mail for a former tenant: write “Not at this address” on the envelope, then give it back to the carrier, leave it in your mailbox for pickup, or drop it in a collection box. USPS says this is how to return mail for someone who no longer lives at your address.
- Mail with the wrong address: if a letter was simply delivered to the wrong house, put it back in the mailbox or hand it to the carrier. USPS asks you not to mark over or change the address on a misdelivered piece.
- Keep it quick: return mail within a day or two. Do not let it pile up in a drawer.
What not to do
- Do not open it. Federal law makes it a crime to open, hide or destroy someone else’s mail to obstruct their correspondence or pry into their business, with a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine (18 U.S.C. 1702).
- Do not throw it away or shred it. Return it instead.
- Do not file a change of address for the tenant. USPS lets the person who moved, or someone legally authorized to act for them (such as an agent with documents), file a change of address. A landlord cannot do it on the tenant’s behalf.
How to stop mail for a previous tenant
Returning each piece lets the sender know the person is not at your address. To stop it faster:
- Tell the former tenant. If you are still in touch, let them know mail is arriving so they can file a change of address with USPS and update their bank, employer and other accounts.
- Keep returning everything marked “Not at this address” until it stops.
- Talk to your carrier or local post office if a lot of mail keeps coming.
Prevent it at move out
Add two lines to your move out routine:
- Ask the tenant to file a USPS change of address before they leave.
- Ask for a forwarding address in writing. You need it anyway to send the security deposit and the itemized list of deductions.
Our free move out checklist for landlords has a place to record the forwarding address, and the security deposit return letter uses it. If you are ending the tenancy, the lease termination letter asks for it too.
Packages and other carriers
A package delivered by USPS can go back the same way, marked “Not at this address”. For UPS, FedEx or Amazon deliveries, contact that carrier or the sender, because each has its own return process.
For anything unusual, such as legal papers or a large amount of mail, ask your local post office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I throw away mail for a previous tenant?
No. Write “Not at this address” on the envelope and give it back to your mail carrier, leave it in your mailbox for pickup, or drop it in a USPS collection box so it can be returned to the sender.
Can a landlord open a previous tenant’s mail?
No. Opening, hiding or destroying someone else’s mail to obstruct it or pry into their business is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 1702.
Can I forward mail for a previous tenant?
You cannot file a USPS change of address for them. Only the person who moved, or someone legally authorized to act for them, can. If you are in touch with the former tenant, ask them to file one.
How do I stop mail for a previous tenant?
Return every piece marked “Not at this address” and, if you can, tell the former tenant to file a change of address and update their accounts.
What about packages for a previous tenant?
USPS packages can be returned the same way. For UPS, FedEx or Amazon, contact that carrier or the sender.
Getting the unit ready for the next tenant? Record the move out and the next tenant’s first payment in our free rent ledger template.
