What To Do When You Receive Someone Else’s Mail at Your Address

Last Updated : 4/23/2025 by Natalia Jayasundera

What To Do When You Receive Someone Else’s Mail at Your Address

A Complete Guide to USPS Mail Handling, Legal Rules, and Practical Fixes

Ever Opened a Mailbox to Find Mail That Isn’t Yours?

It’s more common than you think. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, manage a rental property, or live in an apartment complex, it’s easy to start receiving mail for previous residents, unknown names, or old owners. The problem? It’s not just annoying it can quickly become confusing, frustrating, and even legally risky.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when you receive someone else’s mail, how to handle it legally and respectfully, and how to prevent it from happening in the future. We’ll also show you how smart mailbox products can help reduce risk and improve organization all based on USPS rules and real-life experience.

Why Am I Getting Someone Else’s Mail?

Mail for strangers shows up for a few reasons:

• A change-of-address was never filed
  
• The USPS forwarding period expired
  
• The sender never updated their records
  
• The post office hasn’t yet updated the resident database for your address
  

These problems can continue for months unless you take action. That’s why it’s essential to know how to handle misdelivered mail properly especially when it’s consistent or legally sensitive.

Is It Illegal to Open Someone Else’s Mail?

Yes. Under federal law, it’s a crime to intentionally open or destroy mail not addressed to you. Even if it was delivered to your home, you’re not allowed to open it unless you have permission from the recipient.

If you’ve accidentally opened someone else’s mail, don’t worry that’s not illegal. Just reseal it if possible, write “Opened in error” or “Opened by mistake” on the envelope, and place it back in your mailbox for USPS to retrieve.

This applies even if you’re dealing with neighbors’ mail, old tenants, or unfamiliar names.

What to Do With Mail That Isn’t Yours

If the name on the envelope doesn’t match anyone who lives at your address, here’s what to do:

1. Do Not Open It

Even if the mail seems like junk or unimportant, opening it violates federal privacy laws.

2. Mark It Clearly

Write “Not at this address” or “Return to Sender” on the envelope using a black marker. If you opened it by mistake, add “Opened in error” or “Opened by mistake.”

3. Return It via USPS

Place it back in your mailbox with the flag up, or drop it off at a local USPS mail slot or post office.

This simple process signals the post office to update delivery attempts and helps avoid repeat mistakes.

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Special Cases and Exceptions

Sometimes, handling misdelivered mail is more complicated. Here are some cases where extra steps are needed:

Handling Packages Delivered by Mistake

If a package is delivered to your home but addressed to someone else, you must follow different steps than for letters:

• Do not open the box even if it’s unmarked or appears harmless.
• Contact the delivery service (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon).
• Let them know it was delivered incorrectly. They may offer to pick it up or instruct you to drop it off.

Some carriers will schedule a pickup or send a return label. Don’t keep or throw out misdelivered packages it’s still mail and may be considered mail tampering.

Persistent Mail for Previous Residents

If you’ve written “return to sender” a dozen times and still get mail for the previous tenant or homeowner, try these steps:

1. Visit Your Local Post Office
Ask them to place a note on your address record that says, “[Name] no longer lives here.” This often stops repeat deliveries at the source.

2. Contact Regular Senders Directly
If you notice the same companies (banks, utilities, subscription services) sending letters, call or email them and explain that the recipient is no longer at this address. Many will remove the name quickly.

3. Use a Mailbox Label
A small sign inside your mailbox that says “Deliver only to [Your Name]” can reduce errors especially with substitute carriers.

Tips for Preventing Future Mix-Ups

You’ve done the hard part returned misdelivered mail, contacted senders, maybe even visited the post office. But how do you prevent this from continuing?

Here are a few long-term strategies that work:

Update All Address Records

Make sure your last mail address is updated everywhere USPS, Amazon, banks, insurance, streaming services, and employer records. Many people forget a few, and that’s often what causes ongoing misdeliveries.

Also ask friends and family to update your address in their contacts.

Set Up Mail Forwarding (If You’re Moving Out)

If you’re relocating, setting up USPS mail forwarding ensures your mail reaches your new location instead of confusing the new resident. This service typically lasts 12 months and can be done online.

Communicate with the Post Office

Introduce yourself to your mail carrier if possible. Tell them who currently lives at your address. This personal connection helps especially if you live in an area where multiple people move frequently.

Consider a Return Mailbox

Some households use a separate return mailbox near their door for outgoing or misdelivered items. Label it “Mail Not for This Address” so postal workers and couriers know exactly what to take.

Invest in Secure Mail Handling Tools

Products like locking mailboxes, parcel lockers, or compartmented mailboxes make it easier to protect your mail and reduce delivery confusion especially if you manage a rental or multi-unit building.

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Quick Answers to Common Mail Questions

Can I throw away someone else’s mail?
No. Even junk mail must be returned or left for USPS.

What if I accidentally open someone else’s mail?
It’s not illegal if it’s an honest mistake. Just mark it and return it.

How do I stop getting mail for someone who no longer lives here?
Mark all mail as “Not at this address”, notify USPS, and contact frequent senders.

Is it illegal to open someone else’s mailbox?
Yes only the resident or USPS can legally access it.

How can I get mail from an old address?
File a change of address with USPS and ask the new occupant to forward anything that slips through.

Do It Right, and Make It Easier

Handling someone else’s mail isn’t just a hassle it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re dealing with an old owner’s mail, misdelivered packages, or accidental openings, following these steps protects you legally, respects others’ privacy, and keeps the system running smoothly.

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Categorized in: Mailbox Tips & General Information