As part of an effort to reduce delivery costs, some local postmasters have advised apartment owners and managers in some states that mail deliveries to new addresses, including apartment communities, will be made to outdoor “cluster box units” (CBUs) instead of traditional mailboxes inside the apartment building. The notices indicate the postal service also plans to deliver packages to secure parcel lockers instead of locations such as leasing offices and concierge desks for residents to retrieve them.
These notices indicate that the local postmasters have authority to initiate delivery changes through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postal Operations Manual; however, USPS says it is not currently planning forced conversions to centralized delivery for properties with established service. USPS says it will purchase and install CBUs without charge for apartment communities currently receiving regular delivery, if they voluntarily request centralized delivery service.
NMHC/NAA have requested clarification from USPS on its delivery policies for apartment communities and the process to appeal delivery decisions.
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