Unwanted mail can quickly become a nuisance, especially when it’s addressed to the previous owner of your home or apartment. This constant stream of letters, catalogs, and advertisements can clutter up your mailbox and waste your time. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to stop receiving mail from previous owners and restore order to your mailbox.
Firstly, contact the United States Postal Service (USPS). They have a specific process for handling mail addressed to previous residents. You can submit an online change of address form or visit your local post office to fill out a PS Form 3575. Be sure to provide the full name of the previous owner and the complete address of your property. The USPS will then update their records and start forwarding the mail to the new address provided by the previous owner.
In addition to contacting the USPS, you can also reach out to the senders of the mail directly. Many companies offer the option to update your address online or over the phone. By providing the sender with the new address of the previous owner, you can prevent future mail from being sent to your address. It’s a good idea to keep a record of all the companies you contact, including the date and the name of the person you spoke to. This way, you can follow up if necessary and ensure that the mail has been stopped.
Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS)
To inform the USPS of your change of address and request mail forwarding, visit your local post office or access the USPS website.
- Fill out a Change of Address Form (PS Form 3575) available at the post office or online.
- Provide your new address and the dates you wish for mail to be forwarded. The USPS offers three forwarding periods: 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months.
- Pay a processing fee, if applicable. Depending on the forwarding period you choose, the cost varies:
| Forwarding Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 6 months | $1.10 |
| 12 months | $1.60 |
| 24 months | $2.10 |
Once the form is submitted, the USPS will forward all first-class mail and periodicals to your new address. However, note that certain types of mail, such as large packages or registered mail, may not be forwarded.
File a Change of Address Form (PS Form 3575)
The USPS Change of Address (COA) service is a convenient way to redirect your mail to your new address. Here’s how to file a COA form (PS Form 3575):
- Online: Go to the USPS website (www.usps.com) and click on “Change of Address.” Follow the prompts to submit your request online.
- In Person: Visit your local post office and request a PS Form 3575. Fill out the form and submit it to a postal clerk.
- By Mail: Download the PS Form 3575 from the USPS website or pick it up at your local post office. Complete the form and mail it to the address provided on the form.
You may need the following information when filling out the PS Form 3575:
| Information | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Current Address | Your current mailing address |
| New Address | The address you want your mail forwarded to |
| Start Date | The date you want the mail forwarding to begin |
| End Date (Optional) | The date you want the mail forwarding to end (if applicable) |
Once you submit the COA form, the USPS will begin forwarding your mail to your new address within 2-3 business days. The forwarding service typically lasts for 12 months, but you can extend it if necessary.
Reach Out to Marketing Companies
Contacting marketing companies is a crucial step in preventing unwanted mail from a previous owner. These companies often sell customer lists to other businesses and organizations, leading to a constant stream of mail addressed to the former resident. Reaching out to these companies and requesting the removal of your address from their mailing lists can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.
To identify potential marketers, check your previous mail for any advertisements or catalogs. These items often include the company’s contact information or a way to opt out of their mailing lists. You can also use online resources like OptOutPrescreen.com or CatalogChoice.org to find marketing companies and remove your address from their databases.
When contacting marketing companies, be polite and explain that you are the new resident at the address and do not wish to receive any further mail addressed to the previous owner. Provide your name, address, and a contact number or email. Be persistent and follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time frame.
| Marketing Company | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Experian Marketing Services | (888) 397-3742 |
| Acxiom Corporation | (888) 522-9466 |
| Epsilon Data Management | (888) 377-4566 |
By reaching out to marketing companies and requesting the removal of your address from their mailing lists, you can effectively reduce the flow of unwanted mail you receive from the previous owner.
Consider a Mail Intercept Service
A mail intercept service can hold all your mail at a different address and send it to you in regular intervals. USPS provides a mail forwarding service for a yearly fee. They can forward your mail from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. To sign up for this service, you can visit your local post office or complete an online application on the USPS website.
Why Use a Mail Intercept Service?
There are several benefits to using a mail intercept service:
- Peace of mind: You won’t have to worry about important mail being delivered to your old address.
- Convenience: You can have your mail delivered to a convenient location, like your new home or office.
- Reduced risk of identity theft: If you’re concerned about identity theft, a mail intercept service can help protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
How to Choose a Mail Intercept Service
If you’re considering using a mail intercept service, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Cost: Mail intercept services can vary in price, so be sure to compare the costs of different providers before making a decision.
- Reputation: Read reviews of different mail intercept services to see what other customers have to say about their experiences.
- Features: Some mail intercept services offer additional features, such as email notifications when you receive new mail.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can choose a mail intercept service that’s right for you.
| USPS | Private Mail Intercept Services | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1.05 per week | Varies depending on the provider |
| Reputation | Excellent | Varies depending on the provider |
| Features | Basic mail forwarding | May offer additional features, such as email notifications and online account access |
Explore Other Options for Redirecting Mail
If you’ve tried the USPS’s Notice of Change of Address (NCOA) and other suggested methods, but mail is still arriving for the previous owner, here are some additional options to consider:
Contact the Sender Directly
Reach out to the sender of the mail and request that they update their records with your current address. Explain that you’re receiving mail for the previous owner and provide them with your full name and address.
Contact Subscription Services
If the mail you’re receiving includes magazines, catalogs, or other subscription-based materials, contact the respective companies directly. Inform them of your situation and request that they change the delivery address to yours.
Inform Utility Providers
Contact local utility companies, such as the electric, gas, and water departments. Let them know that you’re the new resident and provide them with your name and address. They can update their records to ensure that future utility bills are sent to the correct address.
Use a P.O. Box or Private Mailbox
Consider renting a P.O. box or private mailbox at a nearby post office or commercial mail service. This will give you a unique delivery point for your mail, separate from the previous owner’s address.
File a Complaint with the USPS
If you’ve exhausted all other options and mail is still being delivered to your address for the previous owner, you can file a complaint with the United States Postal Service (USPS) at https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm. Provide details about the situation and any documentation you have, such as copies of mail addressed to the previous owner.
Change Your Address Legally
In rare cases, you may need to legally change your address to ensure that all mail is delivered to your correct location. This can be done through a court order, especially if there are legal issues associated with the previous owner’s mail.
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Sender Directly | Quick and easy | May not always be successful |
| Contact Subscription Services | Effective for subscription-based mail | Can be time-consuming |
| Inform Utility Providers | Ensures future bills are sent correctly | May not stop all mail from previous owner |
| Use a P.O. Box or Private Mailbox | Provides a separate delivery point | May incur additional fees |
| File a Complaint with the USPS | Official channel for resolving the issue | Can take time to resolve |
| Change Your Address Legally | Permanent solution | Requires legal proceedings |
How To Stop Receiving Mail From Previous Owner
Receiving unwanted mail from previous owners can be frustrating. Here are some effective steps to put a stop to it:
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Contact the Sender
Write to the sender, or check the company website, to request the recipient’s address to be removed from their mailing list. Provide them with the current address and proof of residency (such as a utility bill) to validate your request.
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USPS Change of Address Form
Fill out a USPS Change of Address (COA) form at your local post office or online at USPS.gov. This will forward first-class mail to your new address for up to 12 months. While it may not stop all mail, it will significantly reduce the amount.
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Inform the Post Office
Visit your local post office and inform them about the situation. They can put a hold on mail addressed to the previous owner for up to 30 days. This will give you time to contact the senders and request address updates.
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Contact Mail Forwarding Services
If you suspect the previous owner has set up mail forwarding, you can contact USPS to cancel or update the forwarding address. Provide them with the previous owner’s name and contact information.
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Reach Out to the Previous Owner
If possible, reach out to the previous owner directly and request them to notify their contacts about their new address. This can help reduce the number of pieces of mail being sent to your address.
People Also Ask About How To Stop Receiving Mail From Previous Owner
Why am I receiving mail from the previous owner?
There are various reasons, such as:
- Senders have not updated their records
- The previous owner did not notify contacts of their address change.
- Mail forwarding services are still active
Can I refuse to accept mail from the previous owner?
Yes, you can refuse to accept mail addressed to the previous owner. Write “Refused” on the envelope and place it back in the mailbox for the postal carrier to return to the sender.
