How to Get the Mailbox Keys for Your Cluster Mailbox or Parcel Locker

Are you interested in renting an apartment or unit with a shared mailbox? If so, you might be wondering how you get your hands on a mailbox key. Contrary to popular belief, those keys are not stored in the management office or onsite. To get one, you have to go to the US Post Office in your area.

Cluster Mailbox Units

A cluster mailbox, sometimes called a community mailbox, is a large collection of boxes. These are owned by the Post Office and are federal property. The landlord is not responsible for the use or upkeep of the cluster mailbox. That responsibility falls to the Post Office.

Each mailbox in the cluster is assigned to a unit, such as an apartment number, and the mail for that unit is delivered there. You can retrieve your mail by using the key assigned to that box. This is where getting the key becomes important, but the process is not difficult.

Not every unit has them, but parcel boxes are becoming more common. If you’re getting a cluster unit box, ensure that if there is a parcel box, you can access it. This helps to prevent theft and property loss when ordering and receiving items through the mail.

Going to the Post Office

Of course, you can’t just show up at the post office and ask for a key. You will have to provide them with proof of residency. You will also need to provide a valid government-issued ID card, like a driver’s license. To prove you live in a residence, a new lease agreement is required.

If you need to find the post office that services the area, call 800-275-8777 or go to the Post Office website and find their USPS Postal Office Locator. This will allow you to put in your address, town, or zip code and find the nearest post office location.

Once you arrive, present your documentation. You will receive your key from the post office, though there might be a small charge. Once you have your key, it is your responsibility to keep it. If the key is lost, you will have to replace it at your own expense. The fee for this can range from $9.00 to $20.00.

Additional Key or Replacement

If you should want to have another key, you can have one made at your own expense. If you’ve lost a key, it will take 2-3 days for the Post Office to issue you a new one. If the lock is damaged or doesn’t work, you will have to inform the post office. Replacing a broken lock will require a fee in many cases.

A locksmith can duplicate the key, but you can expect to pay a nominal fee. This can be important if you’re sharing the unit with a roommate, or your significant other. Having a mailbox key can make it easy for each resident to get the mail sent to them.

Red Wagon Properties

Professional management is important for both the landlord and the tenant. Red Wagon Properties makes running an efficient, professional property easy. From informing tenants about mailbox keys to vetting potential renters, Red Wagon Properties takes care of the process from start to finish.

Red Wagon Properties can take care of the hassle of dealing with both the day-to-day operations of your unit and all other aspects of the property. If you’re operating an apartment complex or any other rental property, make sure to contact us.