Replacing a Leaning Rental Property Mailbox With a Surface-Mounted Locking Mailbox

Bellingham Mailbox •

One thing we see fairly often is mailbox setups that were never intended to be permanent long-term solutions.

For this project, a property manager contacted us to upgrade an existing non-locking mailbox in order to comply with BMC 6.15.050, an ordinance in Bellingham, WA requiring rental properties to provide locking mailboxes for tenants.

The ordinance was designed to help:

  • Reduce mail theft
  • Protect renters from identity theft
  • Support tenant financial security

In this case, the original mailbox setup had become both a security concern and a structural issue.

The Existing Mailbox Setup

The original non-locking mailbox had been mounted on top of a cinder block positioned near the curb.

Over time, the setup had started leaning and could easily be moved or shifted because it wasn’t permanently anchored into place.

While setups like this may work temporarily, they usually begin developing problems over time:

  • Leaning or instability
  • Poor security
  • Reduced durability

The property manager wanted a more secure and permanent installation that would better hold up long term.

Removing the Existing Mailbox

We began by removing the existing mailbox and cinder block setup to prepare the site for the new installation.

Because this mailbox location sat directly on top of an existing curb and concrete surface, the replacement installation required a different mounting approach than a traditional in-ground mailbox post.

Instead of excavating and setting a buried post, we installed a surface-mounted heavy-duty steel mailbox post using concrete anchors fastened directly into the concrete.

Choosing the Correct Mailbox Post Height

One detail that’s easy to overlook during mailbox installations is post height.

Because this installation was mounted on top of an elevated curb, a shorter 27-inch mailbox post was used rather than a longer in-ground mailbox post.

Choosing the proper mailbox post length matters because USPS has mailbox height requirements that should be followed for proper mail delivery.

USPS guidelines specify that:

  • The bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry should sit approximately 41”- 45” above the road surface

Since the curb itself already added height, using a standard taller mailbox post would have placed the mailbox too high for compliant delivery.

This is one reason mailbox installations often require different mounting methods depending on the site conditions.

Installing the New Locking Mailbox

Once the new heavy-duty steel post was securely surface-mounted, we installed a Mail Boss Mail Manager high-security locking mailbox.

For rental properties, locking mailboxes help provide:

  • Better tenant mail security
  • Protection against mail theft
  • A cleaner and more professional appearance

Compared to the original unsecured mailbox resting on a cinder block, the final installation felt substantially more permanent and secure.

The Finished Result

What started as:

  • A leaning non-locking mailbox
  • An unstable cinder block setup
  • Minimal mail security

became:

  • A permanently anchored steel mailbox installation
  • A USPS-compliant mailbox height setup
  • A high-security locking mailbox
  • A cleaner and more durable long-term solution

For property managers, mailbox upgrades like this are often small projects that make a surprisingly noticeable difference for both tenants and overall property appearance.

Learn More About the Products Used

Want to learn more about the products used in this installation?

Watch our YouTube product videos here:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
Heavy Duty Mailbox Post

The products used in this installation are also available through our online store:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
27" Surface Mount Post
Surface Mount Plate