Unwanted mail can be a constant annoyance, especially when it’s addressed to the previous owner of your residence. This can lead to a cluttered mailbox, wasted time sorting through unnecessary letters, and potential identity theft concerns. Fortunately, there are several effective steps you can take to eliminate this problem and ensure that you only receive mail that is intended for you.
The first and most crucial step is to contact the United States Postal Service (USPS). By submitting a Change of Address (COA) form, you can officially notify the post office that you are the new resident and request that all mail addressed to the previous owner be redirected to their new address. The USPS typically takes two to four weeks to process COA requests, and during this period, you may still receive some mail for the previous tenant. However, once the request is fully processed, the vast majority of mail should be rerouted to the correct address.
In addition to contacting the USPS, there are several other measures you can take to further reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive. You can contact the previous owner directly and request that they update their address with their creditors, subscription services, and other organizations that may be sending them mail. Additionally, you can sign up for the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Mail Preference Service, which allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many companies. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive and ensure that your mailbox contains only the correspondence that is intended for you.
Contact the Postal Service
Fill Out a Change of Address Form:
Visit your local post office and ask for a Mover’s Guide. Fill out the Change of Address (COA) form, providing your new and previous addresses. This process is known as mail forwarding and typically lasts for 12 months. The form will cost you around $1.10.
Submit the Form Online:
For convenience, you can also submit the COA form online at the USPS website. Simply provide your new and previous addresses and pay the same $1.10 fee. This option may be more efficient if you don’t have time to visit the post office in person.
Exceptions:
It’s important to note that mail forwarding does not include first-class mail, such as bills, bank statements, or personal letters. You will need to contact the sender directly to update your address for these types of mail.
Duration:
Mail forwarding typically lasts for 12 months, but you can extend it for an additional 6 months if needed. After that, the USPS will stop forwarding your mail to your new address.
Fees:
The fee for mail forwarding is $1.10 per change of address form. This fee is the same whether you submit it in person or online.
Benefits:
Mail forwarding is a convenient way to ensure that you continue receiving important mail after you move. It’s a relatively inexpensive service that can save you time and hassle. However, it’s important to remember that it does not include first-class mail, so you will need to contact the sender directly to update your address for these types of mail.
Use USPS Change of Address Service
The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a convenient and effective service to help you stop receiving mail from the previous owner of your property. By submitting a Change of Address (COA) request, you can redirect all incoming mail to your new address. Here’s how to use this service:
1. Visit the USPS Website or Post Office
You can initiate a COA request either online through the USPS website or in person at your local post office. If you choose the online option, you’ll need to create an account and provide your current and new addresses.
2. Complete the COA Form
Once you’ve initiated the request, you’ll need to complete the COA form (PS Form 3575). This form requires information such as:
- Your current address and the date you moved or will move
- Your new address
- The forwarding period (up to 12 months)
- A signature for verification
Additional Details:
- Forwarding Period: The USPS offers forwarding periods of 6 months, 9 months, or 12 months. Choose the period that best meets your needs.
- Family Members: If you’re moving with family members, you can include their names and addresses on the COA form to ensure their mail is also forwarded.
- Hold Mail: If you’re not moving yet or need to delay forwarding, you can request a Temporary Hold Mail service for up to 30 days.
- Fees: There is a small fee for the COA service, which varies based on the forwarding period. You can pay online or at the post office.
Notify Senders Directly
If you have the time and effort, notifying senders directly about your new address is an effective way to stop receiving mail for the previous owner. You can do this by contacting each sender individually and providing them with your new address. This is a more time-consuming method, but it can be the most effective in preventing mail from continuing to arrive at your address for the previous owner.
| Pros |
|---|
| Effective in preventing mail from continuing to arrive |
| Allows you to communicate directly with senders |
| Can help you build relationships with senders |
| Cons |
| Time-consuming |
| Can be difficult to track down all senders |
| May not be effective for all senders |
Here are some tips for notifying senders directly:
- Start with the most important senders. These are the senders who you receive the most mail from or who you have the most important business with.
- Be clear and concise in your request. Let the sender know that you are the new owner of the property and that you would like to be removed from their mailing list.
- Provide your new address. If you are comfortable sharing your new address, you can provide it to the sender so that they can update their records.
- Be patient. It may take some time for all senders to update their records and stop sending mail to your address.
Update Your Utilities and Subscriptions
Notify the relevant utility and service providers of your move, including electricity, water, gas, garbage removal, and internet. Provide them with your new address to ensure that you receive bills at the correct location.
Redirect or Stop Mail from Post Office
Visit your local post office with proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, and complete a change of address form. Request that all mail addressed to the previous owner be forwarded to their new address. If you prefer to stop receiving their mail entirely, opt for the “stop mail for previous resident” service.
Contact Senders Directly
Reach out to companies and individuals who may continue to send mail to the previous owner’s address. Politely request that they update their records with your new contact information. Consider sending a mass email or letter to relevant parties, such as family, friends, and businesses.
Use the National Change of Address Registry
The National Change of Address Registry (NCOA) is a service that forwards first-class mail to your new address for up to one year. While this won’t stop all mail from reaching the previous owner, it can significantly reduce the volume. You can register for the NCOA online or by submitting a form at your local post office.
| Service | Action |
|---|---|
| Utility Companies | Notify of move, provide new address |
| Post Office | Forward or stop mail for previous owner |
| Senders | Contact directly and request address update |
| National Change of Address Registry | Forwards first-class mail for one year |
Check with Credit Card Companies
Many credit card companies offer a service to help you prevent unwanted mail from reaching your mailbox. By contacting their customer service department, you can request that they suppress or remove your name and address from marketing lists they share with third parties.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
It’s essential to keep an eye on your credit reports regularly, especially after moving into a new address. That’s because your previous owner’s debts and personal information might still be associated with your address on your credit reports. This can impact your creditworthiness and lead to identity theft.
There are three major credit bureaus in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of these bureaus once a year. You can get your reports by visiting the website of the Annual Credit Report Request Service, calling 1-877-322-8228, or mailing a request to:
| Annual Credit Report Request Service |
|---|
| P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 |
When you receive your credit reports, review them carefully for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find anything suspicious, contact the credit bureau immediately to dispute it.
Additional Tips:
1. Contact your local post office and inform them of your move. They can forward any mail addressed to your previous owner for up to 12 months.
2. If you’re still receiving mail for your previous owner after a few weeks, you can contact the sender and request that they update their records.
3. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will make it more difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name using your previous address.
Consider Identity Theft Prevention
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences. If you’re receiving mail for the previous owner of your home, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are some tips:
- Shred any mail that contains the previous owner’s personal information, such as their name, address, and Social Security number.
- Contact the credit bureaus and ask them to freeze the previous owner’s credit report so that no one can open new accounts in their name.
- Contact the Social Security Administration and ask them to place a fraud alert on the previous owner’s Social Security number.
- File a police report if you believe that the previous owner’s identity has been stolen.
- Consider signing up for an identity theft protection service.
- Monitor your credit reports and bank statements regularly for any suspicious activity.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from identity theft.
| Action |
|---|
| Shred mail with previous owner’s personal information |
| Freeze credit report with credit bureaus |
| Place fraud alert with Social Security Administration |
| File police report for suspected identity theft |
| Sign up for identity theft protection service |
| Monitor credit reports and bank statements |
Protect Your Digital Presence
Update Your Social Media Profiles
Change your profile photo, cover image, and username to avoid any confusion with the previous owner. Remove any personal information, such as your address or phone number, that may have been left behind.
Update Your Accounts
Contact all online accounts associated with your address, including email, banking, and shopping websites. Update the contact information and ensure that the previous owner no longer has access to these accounts.
Change Passwords
Reset the passwords for all online accounts, including your email, social media, and bank accounts. This will prevent the previous owner from accessing your accounts or sending mail on your behalf.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Request a free credit report from all three credit bureaus and review it carefully for any suspicious activity. If you find any unauthorized accounts or inquiries, contact the credit bureau and report the fraud.
Opt Out of Junk Mail
Sign up for services like DirectMail.com or CatalogChoice.org to opt out of unwanted junk mail and catalogs.
File a Police Report
If you continue to receive mail for the previous owner after taking these steps, you can file a police report for mail theft or identity theft.
Contact the Post Office
Inform the post office about the change of ownership and request a mail hold or forwarding address for your mail. You may also need to fill out a form to request the name change on the mailbox.
Document Your Efforts
Keep a record of all the steps you have taken, including dates, times, and communication with any individuals or organizations. This documentation can be helpful if you need to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to protect your identity.
File a Complaint with the FTC
If the USPS and local post office are unable to resolve your issue, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has the authority to investigate and enforce laws related to unfair and deceptive trade practices, including violations of the Change of Address policy.
To file a complaint with the FTC, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the FTC’s website at ftc.gov.
- Click on the “File a Complaint” link.
- Select the “Mail, Phone, or Email” option.
- Fill out the online complaint form.
- Submit your complaint.
File a Complaint by Phone
You can also file a complaint with the FTC by phone at 1-877-382-4357.
File a Complaint by Mail
You can also file a complaint with the FTC by mail. Send your complaint to:
Federal Trade CommissionConsumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20580
| How to Compose a Letter or Craft an Email to Previous Owner |
|---|
|
1. Politely introduce yourself and explain that you are the new owner of the property. 2. Provide the previous owner’s name and the address of the property. 3. Clearly state that you are receiving their mail and that you would appreciate it if they could update their address with their creditors and other senders. 4. Offer to forward any mail that you receive for them, if they provide you with their new address. 5. Thank them for their cooperation. |
Seek Legal Assistance (If Necessary)
10. Consider Legal Options
a. Consult an Attorney
Seeking legal guidance is crucial if the previous owner refuses to cooperate or change their address. An attorney can draft a cease-and-desist letter, which legally requests them to stop sending mail to your address.
b. File a Motion with the Court
If other methods fail, you can file a motion with the court to obtain an injunction against the previous owner. This legal order will prohibit them from sending any further mail to your address.
Note: Legal action should be considered as a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and costly. However, it may be necessary if all other avenues have been exhausted.
| Legal Option | Purpose | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cease-and-Desist Letter | Request to stop sending mail | Previous owner complies or faces legal consequences |
| Court Injunction | Legal order prohibiting mail from being sent | Previous owner must adhere to the injunction or face further penalties |
How to Stop Receiving Mail From Previous Owner
It can be frustrating to continue receiving mail for the previous owner of your home. Here are some steps you can take to stop this:
- Contact the post office. You can visit your local post office or go online to the USPS website (www.usps.com) to submit a change of address form. This will forward all first-class mail to your new address.
- Contact the previous owner. If you know the name and address of the previous owner, you can write them a letter or send them an email asking them to update their address with their creditors and other organizations.
- Contact the sender. If you continue to receive mail for the previous owner from a specific sender, you can contact that sender and ask them to remove the previous owner’s name from their mailing list.
People Also Ask About How to Stop Receiving Mail From Previous Owner
Why am I getting junk mail for the previous owner of my home?
Junk mailers often use outdated mailing lists and may not have been notified of the change of ownership. You can contact the sender to ask them to remove the previous owner’s information from their mailing list.
Can I throw away mail for the previous owner?
Yes, you can throw away mail for the previous owner.
However, it is illegal to open mail addressed to someone else.
What should I do with important mail for the previous owner?
If you receive important mail for the previous owner, such as tax bills or legal notices, you should forward it to the previous owner’s new address. You can also contact the sender and ask them to update their contact information.
