Cluster mailboxes, popular in both residential communities and commercial properties alike, offer a safe, secure, and convenient method for centralized mail and package delivery. When properly planned, centralized mail equipment becomes an integral part of a community’s design as they improve property values and satisfy residents.
Due to their durability, convenient maintenance practices and security against vandalism and break-ins, cluster mailboxes are the perfect long-term solutions.
However, when vandalism or damages do occur, it’s important to get those issues resolved quickly and properly — but who is the right point of contact? Let’s dive in to see just who is responsible for maintaining cluster mailboxes.
How Cluster Mailboxes Can Fit Into Your Project
The USPS requires all new housing developments to install cluster mailboxes for quick and easy deliveries of mail and packages. A cluster mailbox is an attractive amenity that increases property values and provides more security than traditional roadside methods.
Cluster mailboxes can be used in residential settings, including apartment buildings and single-family communities, as well as commercial settings like corporate office buildings, universities and strip malls.
It may also be time to update any existing cluster boxes if they are in disrepair, inaccessible and not serving your community as well as a newer model would. New cluster mailboxes are more secure than older models and are built to better prevent break-ins and vandalism. They also include larger compartments that are designed to meet modern mail and package delivery demands.
If you are looking for convenient, safe and secure mail delivery for your community or commercial properties, contact an expert cluster mailbox dealer to see what options are best for your project’s needs.
Who is Responsible for Cluster Mailbox Maintenance and Upkeep?
You probably don’t think about who is responsible for the general upkeep and management of a cluster mailbox until one is already in need of repair or replacement. In these instances, it can be difficult to figure out who to contact to resolve the issue.
The tenant is not responsible for maintaining cluster mailboxes. However, because they are directly interacting with the mailboxes on a consistent basis, they may be the first to recognize an issue and not know who to contact.
Cluster mailboxes are typically the responsibility of the property manager or the community’s HOA. They are also responsible for regular upkeep and maintenance, which includes cleaning, paint touch-ups, repairing broken parts and replacing mailbox units when necessary.
Sometimes, when no property management entity is involved, cluster mailboxes are owned and maintained by the US Postal Service, and they are in charge of these issues.
How Do I Find the Owner of the Mailbox?
If you live in a community with an established property manager, HOA or facility management company, they should be the first point of contact if there’s an issue with the cluster mailboxes. They are likely the ones responsible for their maintenance and upkeep, or they can get in touch with those who are.
If you do not have any established property manager or are unsure who is responsible for the mailboxes, contact your local post office. They will be able to confirm whether they are responsible for servicing the cluster mailboxes. If they are not the responsible party, then the USPS may also be able to direct you to the individual or organization that should be notified.
What to Do if the Cluster Mailboxes Are Damaged
If you are a tenant and notice that a cluster mailbox is damaged or not working properly, you should contact those responsible for the mailboxes immediately.
If you are the responsible party for the cluster mailboxes, then it is up to you to resolve any issues. It is important to invest in mailboxes that have readily-available replacement parts in case of damage. You may also want to keep certain replacement parts, number plates, labels and compartment locks on hand so you can fix the mailbox in a timely manner without having to wait for the part to come in.
Mailbox design also plays a crucial role in preventing vandalism and destruction. If vandalism and break-ins are the primary causes of damage, you may want to invest in new mailboxes with a more robust design that prevents break-ins rather than continuously paying for and dealing with replacement parts or units.
How Florence Can Help
Florence offers a variety of robust, USPS-approved cluster mailboxes that are convenient to maintain and have readily-available replacement parts that are easy to install. Get in contact with an expert dealer today to learn more about the benefits of a Florence cluster mailbox.
