Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2015 · 3 posts · 1 vote
Does anyone know what remedies are available to a tenant, when the multi-unit (98 units with mailboxes divided in 3 sections) mailbox is broken into and mail with merchandise stolen? From what I've read the landlord is responsible for maintaining a functioning, locking, mailbox in a multi-unit non-rural complex and so - what is the tenant's relief & remedy should the box fail to lock? Finally who is responsible to report the broken lock when in fact the postal carrier (and the thieves) are the only ones aware of it? California. Thank you
Andrew B. I would think anyone with knowledge of the crime should notify the postal inspector and local law enforcement right away. I'm not aware of your state laws, but it does not seem logical for the landlord to be responsible to provide any remedy beyond ensuring the box is repaired.
Law enforcement. This happened to me in my condo complex in Santa Clarita, CA. The thieves broke into the mailboxes from the back where the postal carrier accesses the boxes, not the front locks. This might also be the case for your tenants depending on how the mailbox is set up. You can purchase a new lock from USPS or Home Depot if the lock is the issue. In my case, the thieves were active in my neighborhood for several months. I requested Informed Delivery from USPS, a daily email that shows images of my mail that is supposed to arrive. Advise tenant not to leave mail overnight in the box (incoming or outgoing).