Contact your local councilperson and the Public Advocate to demand

“A Private Mailbox Renters Bill of Rights”

Many busy New Yorkers rent private mailboxes in order to ensure that they will have quick access to time-sensitive mail, vital documents, and important packages/parcels.

Many small business owners/individual entrepreneurs prefer private mailboxes to P.O. Boxes, because it projects a more professional image. Additionally, many New Yorkers who must change addresses frequently due to the difficulty in finding a long-term, affordable living situation use private mailbox rental address as their “stable” address. This is vital when looking for employment.

Over the past month, 2 UPS Stores that provide Mailbox Rental and UPS/Fedex package deliveries have suddenly shut down. These UPS stores closed without giving their customers any notice. Hundreds of New Yorkers are now without access to their US mail or UPS/Fedex packages. Some people use these mailboxes to receive business related document, social security checks, time-sensitive items, etc.

Some sort of legislation is needed to protect the rights of private mailbox renter: A Private Mailbox Renters Bill of Rights”

1) All customers who rent private mailboxes must be given the legal name, address, and phone number of current owners/operators of mailbox rental facility.

2) All customers who rent private mailboxes must be notified in writing of any ownership change.

3) All customers who rent private mailboxes must be given two weeks prior notice (in writing) of any extended closure that might impede their access to time-sensitive mail, vital documents, and important packages/parcels.

4) All private mailbox rental owner/operators must post a contact number that is visible through the window of their mailbox rental facility.