Upgrading Rental Property Mailboxes to Locking Mailboxes While Coordinating With USPS
For this project, a property manager contacted us to upgrade existing mailboxes in order to comply with BMC 6.15.050, a Bellingham, WA ordinance requiring rental properties to provide locking mailboxes for tenants.
The ordinance was created to help:
- Reduce mail theft
- Protect tenants from identity theft
- Support renters’ financial security
The original mailbox post serving the property had three non-locking mailboxes mounted together on a single shared mailbox post.
However, only two of the mailboxes needed to be upgraded to locking mailboxes. The center mailbox would remain unchanged while the two outer mailboxes would be replaced.
Why We Coordinated With USPS Before the Installation
The two mailboxes being upgraded were located on the left and right side of the existing post.
Our plan was to remove those two mailboxes from the original shared post and relocate them onto their own standalone mailbox post positioned next to the existing setup.
Before moving forward, we confirmed the installation plan directly with USPS.
This step is important because mailbox placement and delivery sequence matter to mail carriers. Removing the left and right mailboxes from the original post and relocating them to a new structure would slightly change the sequence of future mail delivery along the route.
After reviewing the plan, the local postmaster approved the updated configuration.
Whenever changing the position or order of mailboxes, even slightly, it’s always a good idea to confirm the layout with your local post office beforehand.
Removing the Existing Mailboxes
Once the installation plan was confirmed, we carefully removed the existing non-locking mailboxes from the original shared post.
Because one mailbox was remaining in place, the removal process needed to be done carefully to avoid damaging the existing structure or disrupting the remaining mailbox.
Once the two outer mailboxes were removed, the site was prepared for the new standalone installation.
Installing a New Heavy-Duty Mailbox Post
For the replacement setup, we installed:
- A heavy-duty steel mailbox post
- A 2-mailbox spreader plate
- Two Mail Boss Mail Manager high-security locking mailboxes
The new steel post was secured in concrete to create a stable long-term foundation capable of supporting the additional weight of heavy-duty locking mailboxes.
One advantage of using reinforced steel mailbox posts is long-term rigidity and durability. Compared to aging wood posts or lighter mailbox structures, steel posts provide substantially better support for heavier locking mailbox systems over time.
Upgrading to Locking Mailboxes for Rental Properties
Many older rental properties still use original non-locking mailboxes that were installed long before mail theft became as common as it is today.
Upgrading to locking mailboxes helps provide:
- Better tenant mail security
- Improved durability
- Reduced maintenance concerns
- A cleaner and more modern appearance
The Mail Boss Mail Manager mailboxes installed on this project were selected specifically for their reinforced locking design and long-term durability.
The Finished Result
The final installation created:
- Two new high-security locking mailboxes
- A reinforced standalone mailbox structure
- Improved tenant mail security
- Compliance with local rental property requirements
- A cleaner and more organized final layout
Projects like this are a good example of why mailbox upgrades sometimes require coordination not only with property owners and tenants, but also with USPS to ensure delivery routes continue functioning properly.
Learn More About the Products Used
Want to learn more about the products used in this installation?
Watch our YouTube product reviews here:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
Heavy Duty Steel Post
2 Mailbox Spreader
The products used in this installation are also available for purchase through our online store:
Mail Boss Mail Manager
Heavy Duty Steel Post
2 Mailbox Spreader