If I Ask Someone Not to Send Mail or Packages to My House and They Do It Anyway, Can I Reject It?

When it comes to handling mail and packages, it is important to establish clear communication with both the sender and the recipient to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience. If you have specifically asked someone not to send packages to your house, and they disregard your request and still send them, you have the right to reject the delivery. This article will guide you through the appropriate procedures and provide useful tips on how to handle such situations effectively.

Procedures for Rejecting Unauthorized Deliveries

USPS, or any delivery service, will not send a package or mail to your address if you explicitly request to decline such deliveries. The sender or the addressee may have legitimate complaints, but you can rely on the delivery service to return such mail to the sender or the address specified on the package.

Here’s how you can handle the situation:

State your refusal simply and clearly. You can use simple phrases such as “Not here” or “Unknown person.” Properly mark the package or mail with text such as “Not at this address.” Leave the package or mail for the carrier to pick up; they can either return it to the sender as refused or note it as unable to forward. The carrier can hold the package for 10 days. If it is not claimed within this period, the delivery service can update the status to “moved” or “no forward,” and the package will be returned to the sender.

Additional Tips for Handling Unauthorized Mail and Packages

It is always helpful to explain why you are rejecting the mail and provide the delivery carrier with the correct address to redirect the package to. This not only ensures accountability but also helps to maintain a good relationship with the delivery service.

Legal Obligations and Considerations

The legal obligations in accepting or rejecting mail and packages can vary depending on your relationship with the sender:

If the sender shares your residence, such as a roommate or tenant, you must accept the deliveries unless they have explicitly requested otherwise. If the sender does not live with you, and you are the homeowner or the legal resident, you are under no obligation to accept their mail or packages.

If you do not want to receive mail or packages for someone who does not reside with you, the appropriate action is to write “return” or “return to sender” on the package or mail and return it to the post office. As long as you are the homeowner or the legal resident, you are not required to open it or accept it.

Conclusion

Handling unauthorized mail and packages can be frustrating, but with proper communication and understanding of the delivery service’s return policies, it can be resolved efficiently. By clearly communicating your wishes and following the appropriate procedures, you can ensure that your living space remains free from unwanted deliveries and avoid any potential legal or social disputes.