Who's Responsible for Repairing Damaged Mailboxes?

If you've discovered a damaged mailbox in your residential community, you might be wondering who's responsible for repairing it. Mailboxes aren't immune to damage. While some of them are made of stronger and more durable materials than others, all mailboxes can sustain damage when neglected. The United States Postal Service (USPS), of course, won't service mailboxes that are severed damaged. So, who's responsible for repairing damaged mailboxes?

Curbside Mailboxes

Homeowners are typically responsible for repairing curbside mailboxes. Curbside mailboxes are classified as federal property after being installed. The burden of repairs, though, falls on the shoulders of homeowners.

If a homeowner's curbside mailbox has been severely damaged to the point where it can no longer safely contain mail, he or she is responsible for repairing it. The homeowner must repair the damaged mailbox. Otherwise, the USPS may not service it.

Centralized Mailboxes

In addition to curbside mailboxes, there are centralized mailboxes. Centralized mailboxes consist of Cluster Box Units (CBUs), STD-4B mailboxes and STD-4C mailboxes. Mailboxes that contain multiple compartments are classified as centralized mailboxes, with the most common being CBUs, STD-4B mailboxes and STD-4C mailboxes.

Centralized mailboxes differ from curbside mailboxes by accommodating the mail for multiple addresses. Whether it's a CBU, STD-4B mailbox or STD-4C mailbox, they all contain multiple mailbox units. Each of the units in a centralized mailbox is designed for a separate address.

Property owners and homeowners associations (HOAs) are typically responsible for repairing damaged centralized mailboxes. Because they contain multiple mailbox units, no single homeowner is responsible for repairing a damaged centralized mailbox. Instead, the burden of repairs falls on the shoulder of the property owner or HOA. If the centralized mailbox is part of an apartment, for instance, the apartment owner must repair it. If it's part of a neighborhood, on the other hand, the HOA will likely have to repair it.

Consider a Refurbishment Service

If you're dealing with one or more damaged mailboxes, you may want to consider a refurbishment service. You can always replace a damaged mailbox, but a refurbishment service will allow you to retain the damaged mailbox or mailboxes.

A mailbox refurbishment service is exactly what it sounds like: a professional service that involves repairing and improving an otherwise damaged mailbox. Maybe you lack the tools needed to repair a damaged mailbox, or perhaps you simply aren't comfortable doing the repair yourself. In either case, you may want to consider a refurbishment service.

About Forsite:

Welcome to Forsite! You’ve found your best source for custom street signs and community wayfinding signs. We manufacture and install upscale site amenities throughout the United States.

Forsite can provide all of your signage needs for your Master Planned Community or  Residential Development. We help our customers to create a uniform, upscale appearance and increase property values by "bundling" themed packages of decorative street signage, mailboxes, post and wall mounted lighting, and wayfinding signage

You can count on the experts at Forsite to help improve the quality of your community today. Contact us today to get started by talking to one of our experienced team members at 855-537-0200.