Can I refuse mail addressed to me?
Asked by: Mr. Cornell Labadie IV | Last update: July 14, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (33 votes)
507.1.8.2 provide two instances where mail can be refused when it is offered for delivery, or, after delivery. You may mark “Refused” and return it unopened within a reasonable time. If a mailpiece has been opened, even if it is been resealed, it CANNOT be marked “Refused” and returned.
Can I throw out mail not addressed to me?
Tossing someone else's mail into the trash is tantamount to stealing it. You're depriving the recipient of ever knowing what was inside. Open the Letter. Knowingly opening someone else's mail is a serious offense.
Is it illegal to refuse someone their mail?
Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat.
What happens if I refuse mail?
After delivery, an addressee may mark a piece of mail “Refused” and return it within a reasonable time if the mail or any attachment is not opened, except for mail listed in 611.1c(1) and 611.1c(2). Mail that may not be refused and returned unopened under this provision may be returned to the sender only if enclosed in ...
Can you stop someone from sending mail to your address?
The most effective way to stop receiving mail for previous residents or strangers is to talk to your local Post Office. Most of the time, you'll be able to quickly resolve any issues by listing your household members as the only people who should receive mail at your address.
How to properly stop or refuse mail from unwanted companies, people or etc!! Simple Legal Hack.
Can you refuse mail addressed to you?
Simply check the box marked “Refused” on the back of the delivery notice, sign your name by the “X” and place it back in your mailbox.
Can I stop other peoples mail from coming to my house?
Additionally, you can also talk to your USPS worker directly. Another way to curtail the delivery of old owners' mail to your home is by clearly labeling your mailbox with the current occupants' names on it so that your mail person knows who should be receiving mail at this address.
Who pays for refused mail?
If the item is endorsed “Return postage guaranteed” or if it is First Class mail letter, it will be returned to the sender and they may have to pay return postage—but in any case, you do not.
Can I put return to sender on mail I don't want?
If you have not opened the mailpiece, you may mark it "Return to Sender," and the United States Postal Service will return it with no additional charge to you. If you open the mailpiece and do not like what you find, you may throw it away. If you open the mailpiece and like what you find, you may keep it for free.
How do you stop someone from using your address for mail?
- Preview your mail. ...
- Return unopened packages. ...
- Refuse unwanted mail addressed to you. ...
- Alert companies that send you someone else's mail. ...
- Opt out of any bulk mailing lists. ...
- Apply for a Prohibitory Order against the sender (if applicable) ...
- Scrub your address from public sites.
Am I obligated to return mail that isn't yours?
Reporting / returning misdelivered mail
If you are receiving mail for the previous resident and do not know their address, simply return the mail piece back to the mailstream (by leaving in a Collection Box or other mail receptacle) with the notation "Not at this address" marked on the envelope.
Can someone use your address if they don't live there?
A resident temporarily living in a different state for school or work may want to forward mail to a domicile address. But someone who isn't the owner of a home or apartment must ask for permission. If permission is not requested and granted, that person is committing address fraud and maybe even mail fraud [*].
Can a mailman refuse to deliver mail?
USPS can refuse to deliver to a property if they cannot safely reach it and the road isn't being maintained.
Can someone refuse to give you your mail?
In the United States, mail is considered by law to be private property. Just like you can't steal, damage, destroy, or interfere with someone else's property, you can't open, steal, damage, destroy, hide, or withhold someone else's mail.
Is it illegal to keep mail not addressed to you?
Section 1708 of Title 18 of the United States Code specifically addresses offenses related to mail theft — in three paragraphs of pretty dense legalese. In summary, this law states that anyone who steals someone else's mail (or knowingly receives stolen mail) can face fines and up to five years imprisonment.
Am I legally obligated to forward mail?
Moving to a new home: When an individual moves to a new home, they must ensure that their mail is forwarded to the new address. Traveling abroad: If an individual travels abroad for an extended period, they may want to forward their mail to a trusted friend or family member.
What is the return to sender mail trick?
Write 'Wrong Address' or 'Return to Sender' on the Envelope: On the envelope, write "Wrong Address" or "Return to Sender." This indicates to the postal service that the item has been misdelivered. Make sure not to cover any essential information like the original return address.
Can I put no return address on mail?
The return address is not required on postal mail. However, lack of a return address prevents the postal service from being able to return the item if it proves undeliverable; such as from damage, postage due, or invalid destination. Such mail may otherwise become dead letter mail.
How to refuse mail?
- Write “Refused" on the mail item. Once you mark the mail item, return it to your mail carrier—through the collection box or handing it to your mail carrier.
- Select the “Refused" box on a signature slip.
What happens if you refuse mail?
Mail is Refused
Sometimes a person will refuse to accept the mail when they receive something. In such a case, the mail is labeled as 'refused' and sent back to the sender if a return address is listed.
Can I sue for not getting my mail?
You can't sue for lost mail, so consider getting insurance for a particular package. You can also send it through certified mail to receive proof that the mail got delivered. But if you seek to recover for personal injuries, you can sue the U.S. Postal Service if you follow the proper procedures.
Does the USPS charge for return to sender?
Undeliverable-as-addressed Certified Mail is treated as First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage — Retail. All insured First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage — Retail, USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial, and Priority Mail pieces are forwarded and returned at no additional charge.
Can I throw away mail that is not mine?
In a word, no. It is a federal crime to destroy, hide, open, or embezzle mail that is not intended for you. The official crime is obstruction of correspondence, which is a felony.
How do I stop mail from someone who doesn't live here?
You can leave a sticky note or some other thing in your mailbox telling the carrier he doesn't live there. Include all the residents who do get mail there and say “xxx doesn't live here anymore thanks!” If your carrier is worth a salt they know what to do with it.
What do I do if someone else's mail comes to my house?
If you get mail that doesn't belong to you, then you should not open it. Don't throw it away, either. Instead, take the mail to the correct recipient or write “return to sender” on the package or letter. You can also return it to the post office directly.