Replacing a Worn-Out Rental Property Mailbox With a Locking Mailbox

Bellingham Mailbox •

Sometimes a mailbox tells its own story.

For this project, a property manager contacted us to upgrade an existing 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

When I arrived at the property, it was immediately clear the mailbox had been in service for many years. The mailbox flag was hanging down and nearly detached from the box, a good indication that the mailbox had seen years of weather, daily use, and wear.

While it had served its purpose, it was time for an upgrade.

Removing the Existing Mailbox Post

The first step was removing the existing mailbox and mailbox post.

Over time, mailbox posts can become unstable due to weather exposure, vehicle impacts, and normal aging. Even when a post still appears functional, deterioration below ground often tells a different story.

Once the existing post was extracted and removed from the site, the area was prepared for the new installation.

Why We Use Heavy-Duty Steel Mailbox Posts

One thing you'll notice throughout many of our mailbox installations is the use of heavy-duty steel mailbox posts.

A quality locking mailbox weighs significantly more than a standard residential mailbox. As mailbox security improves, mailbox construction generally becomes heavier as well.

Steel posts provide several advantages:

  • Better long-term rigidity

  • Improved resistance to warping and twisting

  • Reduced maintenance

  • Better support for heavier locking mailboxes

For rental properties, durability matters. The fewer maintenance calls a property manager receives, the better.

Installing a Locking Mailbox

Once the new post was installed and secured, we mounted a Mail Boss Mail Manager high-security locking mailbox.

Locking mailboxes have become increasingly popular among property managers and homeowners alike because they help secure:

  • Mail

  • Checks

  • Financial documents

  • Small packages

while still allowing convenient daily mail delivery.

For rental properties, upgrading from a non-locking mailbox to a locking mailbox is often one of the simplest ways to improve mail security for tenants.

The Finished Result

What started as:

  • An aging mailbox

  • A worn-out mailbox flag

  • An older non-locking mailbox system

became:

  • A reinforced steel mailbox installation

  • A high-security locking mailbox

  • Improved tenant mail security

  • A cleaner and more durable setup built for long-term use

Sometimes the simplest mailbox upgrades make the biggest difference.

Learn More About the Products Used

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

Watch our product reviews and installation videos here:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
Heavy Duty Steel Post

The heavy-duty mailbox post and Mail Boss Mail Manager mailbox used in this installation are also available through our online store:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
Heavy Duty Steel Post