How not to get a mailbox key

[MrLonzo]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

[Stu from NYC]

We got ours at closing as I recall.

[Stu from NYC]

We got ours at closing

[Bilyclub]

Yes, you should have gotten 3 keys at closing. If your real estate person worked for TV they would know that.

[Topspinmo]

Yes, you should have gotten 3 keys at closing. If your real estate person worked for TV they would know that.

In older sections two are only required.

[retiredguy123]

Note that the Post Office issues 3 keys for every mailbox. In the past, The Villages would retain one of the 3 keys. However, they changed their process and they now provide every homeowner with all 3 keys. When you get a new lock from the Post Office they are supposed to give you 3 keys. They will not copy the keys and it is very difficult to get a key copied.

[retiredguy123]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?
If the Post Office only gave you 2 keys, they obviously screwed up because they gave you the wrong type of key. The postal stations within The Villages are USPS-owned cluster boxes, that have locks with 3 keys, not 2. But, I am not surprised that the Federal Government made a mistake. Patience and persistence will prevail.

[BrianL99]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

You've been posting on this site for 3 years & you can't figure out how to get your mail?

[photo1902]

You've been posting on this site for 3 years & you can't figure out how to get your mail?

That box is going to be full!

[Dusty_Star]

I too had problems getting my mailbox number. Not the keys, I was given two keys at closing, but like you no one seemed to know the number of the box. The real estate agent, when asked replied: "Ask your neighbors".

What worked is I called 1 352-753-2270 & asked. ← This is the one that worked, they gave me my mailbox number, pretty quickly.

Sorry this doesn't help with your key issue, but you will learn which mailbox is yours.

[Two Bills]

Get you agent to ask seller for box number, and where are keys.
Or if you have contact details for seller you can do it quicker.

[retiredguy123]

The USPS person who deposits the mail into your box at the local postal station can tell you the box number.

[Dusty_Star]

Get you agent to ask seller for box number, and where are keys.
Or if you have contact details for seller you can do it quicker.

That did not work in my case. I kept asking my broker, who called the seller's broker & was told to ask my neighbors for the box number. I agree he should try, it it works he would have the keys & the box number.

[Dusty_Star]

The USPS person who deposits the mail into your box at the local postal station can tell you the box number.

The problem with that is he has to learn when the mail clerk is there. Then he has to be there at the same time & he is already complaining about many things to do associated with moving in.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The down and dirty method of figuring out which box is yours: ask the neighbor to your left and to the right of you which one is theirs. They'll be in sequential order. Yours is the one between the two.

[bsloan1960]

Make an appointment with your Realtor. Ask that the office manager be present during the meeting. Have them use their time, experience, and resources to solve your problem.

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

[MrLonzo]

I too had problems getting my mailbox number. Not the keys, I was given two keys at closing, but like you no one seemed to know the number of the box. The real estate agent, when asked replied: "Ask your neighbors".

What worked is I called 1 352-753-2270 & asked. ← This is the one that worked, they gave me my mailbox number, pretty quickly.

Sorry this doesn't help with your key issue, but you will learn which mailbox is yours.
Thank you! I called the number and they gave me the box number. Unfortunately, could not help with how to get the proper keys.
BTW, do you know what department that phone number is for? I was so excited to get my box number I forgot to ask, and they didn't say when they answered the phone. I couldn't find that number on the CDD website.

[MrLonzo]

Note that the Post Office issues 3 keys for every mailbox. In the past, The Villages would retain one of the 3 keys. However, they changed their process and they now provide every homeowner with all 3 keys. When you get a new lock from the Post Office they are supposed to give you 3 keys. They will not copy the keys and it is very difficult to get a key copied.

OK, but how are the keys 'issued'? Do you have to go to the PO in Lady Lake?
I'm kind of wondering why the only post office that serves the Villages isn't more centrally located...

[MrLonzo]

You've been posting on this site for 3 years & you can't figure out how to get your mail?

That's right. Is there some connection between posting longevity and knowledge about how the mail works at TV? I've been visiting as a renter for 4 years and finally bought this past June. Should renters not be posting?

[Dusty_Star]

Thank you! I called the number and they gave me the box number. Unfortunately, could not help with how to get the proper keys.
BTW, do you know what department that phone number is for? I was so excited to get my box number I forgot to ask, and they didn't say when they answered the phone. I couldn't find that number on the CDD website.

Sorry, I don't know which department it is. My guess would be district property management & the sub department that is in charge of postal stations. But that is only a guess.

[Dusty_Star]

The down and dirty method of figuring out which box is yours: ask the neighbor to your left and to the right of you which one is theirs. They'll be in sequential order. Yours is the one between the two.

That method would not have worked very well in my case. I have a corner lot on the edge of a village, the houses across the street from me use a different postal station, most of my immediate neighbors are on a different street & the ones closest are snowbirds, - not around when I needed to find out. I don't know if the OP has similar constraints.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you! I called the number and they gave me the box number. Unfortunately, could not help with how to get the proper keys.
BTW, do you know what department that phone number is for? I was so excited to get my box number I forgot to ask, and they didn't say when they answered the phone. I couldn't find that number on the CDD website.

Villages real estate development.
Contact Information
1000 Lake Sumter Lndg
The Villages, FL 32162-2693
Get Directions
Visit Website

Email this Business
(352) 753-2270

[retiredguy123]

OK, but how are the keys 'issued'? Do you have to go to the PO in Lady Lake?
I'm kind of wondering why the only post office that serves the Villages isn't more centrally located...
The keys are issued by the Post Office that receives your mail that is delivered by the USPS contract employees to your local mail station. I would suggest that you visit your local mail station and ask the person filling the mailboxes which Post Office they deliver the mail from. They are usually at the mail station for a few hours every day. People picking up their mail should be able to tell you when the contractor is usually there.

[MrLonzo]

The keys are issued by the Post Office that receives your mail that is delivered by the USPS contract employees to your local mail station. I would suggest that you visit your local mail station and ask the person filling the mailboxes which Post Office they deliver the mail from. They are usually at the mail station for a few hours every day. People picking up their mail should be able to tell you when the contractor is usually there.

They told me 12-2PM at Swallowtail. I'll try that.

[Dusty_Star]

Note that the Post Office issues 3 keys for every mailbox. In the past, The Villages would retain one of the 3 keys. However, they changed their process and they now provide every homeowner with all 3 keys. When you get a new lock from the Post Office they are supposed to give you 3 keys. They will not copy the keys and it is very difficult to get a key copied.

It would be nice if they gave out the retained 3rd key to each respective owner.

[Skunky1]

I don’t think I would have a good recommendation for that real estate agent

[star20166@yahoo.com]

Realtor should have solved that issue.

[newgirl]

Note that the Post Office issues 3 keys for every mailbox. In the past, The Villages would retain one of the 3 keys. However, they changed their process and they now provide every homeowner with all 3 keys. When you get a new lock from the Post Office they are supposed to give you 3 keys. They will not copy the keys and it is very difficult to get a key copied.

I only got 2 when I replaced my locks

[Gobragh]

I received my mail box keys at my closing. They also gave me the location and mail box number to get my mail.

[seecapecod]

Yes, you should have gotten 3 keys at closing. If your real estate person worked for TV they would know that.

Eh- not exactly. You get what the previous homeowner turns over. First house MLS realtor 1 key, second house TV Agent 1 key.

[Djean1981]

This is nothing. Wait until you have a missing package. Lol!!

[Stu from NYC]

Realtor should have solved that issue.

Realtor should have solved it.

[Glewellen]

Mail person is at Swallowtail between 1 & 3.

[Retiredsteve]

For the Villages (not true PO boxes) you can get duplicate keys at Ace Hardware. Easy peasy

[kendi]

Note that the Post Office issues 3 keys for every mailbox. In the past, The Villages would retain one of the 3 keys. However, they changed their process and they now provide every homeowner with all 3 keys. When you get a new lock from the Post Office they are supposed to give you 3 keys. They will not copy the keys and it is very difficult to get a key copied.

Actually it’s very easy to get them copied. We just went to Ace, quick and easy.

[Justputt]

Eh- not exactly. You get what the previous homeowner turns over. First house MLS realtor 1 key, second house TV Agent 1 key.

At Settlement you should get everything due you BEFORE closing, signing, giving them a check, etc. Personally, I'd tell them closing doesn't happen until they have everything together to hand you! Just as you were told what you must have at closing, they too have deliverables. At the very least, have a Holdback at closing where you hold enough money to get their attention and motivation.

[christine J Toft]

That's right. Is there some connection between posting longevity and knowledge about how the mail works at TV? I've been visiting as a renter for 4 years and finally bought this past June. Should renters not be posting?

Of course you should be allowed to post. I feel some sarcasm in that person's post. Ignore them.

[golf4dns]

Have you checked the drawers and kitchen cabinets? The previous owner may have left them there or hanging somewhere. Maybe a reach but why not?

[jarodrig]

Personally, I'd tell them closing doesn't happen until they have everything together to hand you!

The original post/poster stated they have already closed.

Maybe you missed that …..

[Bilyclub]

Eh- not exactly. You get what the previous homeowner turns over. First house MLS realtor 1 key, second house TV Agent 1 key.

Well you got had. They're supposed to turn over 3 unless it's an older house where TV kept a key. Is it worth holding up a closing, maybe. Our 3rd key ended up in the sales agent's purse, but we got it. It specifically stated 3 mailbox keys are to be turned over in the closing paperwork.

[Bilyclub]

In older sections two are only required.

OP is in Monarch Grove. Old for South of 44, but not North of 466 old.

[jarodrig]

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

We’re on our third home (first in 2005) and we did not experience ANY of the issues you described. Maybe we were lucky ?

And NO ! Your expectations are NOT too high !

Good luck !

BTW, did you use a sales rep from The Villages ? Or , was it one of the external realtors such as Remax , etc?

[Vermilion Villager]

That's right. Is there some connection between posting longevity and knowledge about how the mail works at TV? I've been visiting as a renter for 4 years and finally bought this past June. Should renters not be posting?
You did nothing wrong...B$#!(99L is mad his prune juice hadn't kicked in yet!!:grumpy::mad::rant-rave:

[retiredguy123]

For the Villages (not true PO boxes) you can get duplicate keys at Ace Hardware. Easy peasy
Please clarify what type of key you are referring to. I pick up my mail at a free standing postal station in my neighborhood. The mailboxes are owned by the Federal Government, (not The Village) and they install the locks and issue the keys. My key has " U.S.P.S. DO NOT DUPLICATE" stamped on it. I have taken the key to ACE Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, and to a locksmith. None of them would copy the key. Amazon does not sell the key blank. As I understand it, official U.S. mail can only be deposited in a Federal mailbox.

[retiredguy123]

Actually it’s very easy to get them copied. We just went to Ace, quick and easy.
See Post No. 44

[Ski Bum]

Just want to confirm that there is a huge difference between a Realtor and a TV sales agent. Our first purchase was a Realtor. Zero help, and had similar issues with the mailbox, among a host of other things. Second purchase was with a TV agent. Everything was handled expertly and routinely.

[Indydealmaker]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

Just make it the listing agent's problem. That should have been part of the closing.

[jarodrig]

Please clarify what type of key you are referring to. I pick up my mail at a free standing postal station in my neighborhood. The mailboxes are owned by the Federal Government, (not The Village) and they install the locks and issue the keys. My key has " U.S.P.S. DO NOT DUPLICATE" stamped on it. I have taken the key to ACE Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, and to a locksmith. None of them would copy the key. Amazon does not sell the key blank. As I understand it, official U.S. mail can only be deposited in a Federal mailbox.

Not all the postal keys are what you described. Our first two homes they were.

Our current mailbox key (third home) looks like the image I posted .

Anyone that has such a key type CAN get them copied at ACE or anywhere that has the blanks .

I have copied dozens of such keys while working at the ACE at Southern Trace Plaza

These “blanks” have no USPS markings of any kind and can be bought in bulk for about $2.50 each.

[HORNET]

Seller is required to turn in 3 mail box keys during closing, or they are to pay for the new lock, keys. It’s a USPS requirement. If this didn’t happen, 1st. Contact the sellers agent, 2nd notify the USPS and turn in the seller and the seller agent. It’s your right to receive your mail. It’s in their hands not yours.

[richdell]

Not all the postal keys are what you described. Our first two homes they were.

Our current mailbox key (third home) looks like the image I posted .

Anyone that has such a key type CAN get them copied at ACE or anywhere that has the blanks .

I have copied dozens of such keys while working at the ACE at Southern Trace Plaza

These “blanks” have no USPS markings of any kind and can be bought in bulk for about $2.50 each.

My keys look the same and I got my house new in Monarch Grove several years ago.

[MrFlorida]

Please clarify what type of key you are referring to. I pick up my mail at a free standing postal station in my neighborhood. The mailboxes are owned by the Federal Government, (not The Village) and they install the locks and issue the keys. My key has " U.S.P.S. DO NOT DUPLICATE" stamped on it. I have taken the key to ACE Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, and to a locksmith. None of them would copy the key. Amazon does not sell the key blank. As I understand it, official U.S. mail can only be deposited in a Federal mailbox.

Correct, my key says USPS " Do Not Duplicate" And it's for the Villages Postal Center, not a regular post office box at the post office.

[flsteve]

Sorry, I don't know which department it is. My guess would be district property management & the sub department that is in charge of postal stations. But that is only a guess.

You might try an email to Gerry Andrews from The Villages BCDD. He is listed on districtgov.org with that phone number:

Gerry Andrews - BCDD


gerry.andrews@districtgov.org

352-753-2270

[jlaurieb]

We got ours at closing as I recall.

I got only one key at closing. If I want both keys, I have to pay to have it re-keyed.

You can only get them if the seller leaves them

[TeresaE]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?

Try calling the Listing Agent. You should have received All of the keys associated with the property including mailbox keys. Your agent should have offered to do this for you.

[Rodneysblue]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?
They, (the seller) is supposed required to give you the keys and location of the mail station and box number. It’s not the post office’s responsibility to do that at closing. The post office can replace lock and keys but only if they are given the correct box number and mail station. We received only one key at closing and with a reimbursement of $35.00 to cover the cost.

[retiredguy123]

They, (the seller) is supposed required to give you the keys and location of the mail station and box number. It’s not the post office’s responsibility to do that at closing. The post office can replace lock and keys but only if they are given the correct box number and mail station. We received only one key at closing and with a reimbursement of $35.00 to cover the cost.
They treated you correctly by giving you $35 to replace the lock. The Post Office should only need your address to install a new lock and provide you with 3 new keys. If the seller only has 1 or 2 keys at closing, they owe you the cost to get a new lock because you would never know if someone else has a key to your mailbox.

[DrMack]

I hope we don’t encounter anything when we close on our new build. Our agent seemed super supportive though.

[Topspinmo]

Realtor should have solved that issue.


I bet at closing no keys and mailbox number no check. I bet keys and mailbox would materialize pretty quick.

[retiredguy123]

I bet at closing no keys and mailbox number no check. I bet keys and mailbox would materialize pretty quick.
Correct. If you are buying a house in The Villages, you should make it clear to the seller's agent that, at the closing, you want either 3 mailbox keys or $35 to purchase a new mailbox lock. If you don't get it, the closing will not proceed. That is the only way to get what you are entitled to.

[Garywt]

I would say this totally falls on the sellers for not turning the keys and the box number over to you. Why these were not with the house keys blows my mind. Wondering where your house is if it takes 45 minutes to get to Lady Lake.

[GoneFishing]

It would be nice if they gave out the retained 3rd key to each respective owner.

When we had our mailbox lock changed after closing, we went to Lady Lake PO. They gave us 2 keys and said the third key would be in the box when the lock was installed. Sure enough there it was. No problem.

[retiredguy123]

I would say this totally falls on the sellers for not turning the keys and the box number over to you. Why these were not with the house keys blows my mind. Wondering where your house is if it takes 45 minutes to get to Lady Lake.
A lot of sellers will show up at the closing with 1 or 2 mailbox keys instead of 3 because they have lost the keys. The seller's agent should verify this in advance and require the seller to bring a check for $35 to the closing to compensate the buyer for a new mailbox lock. But, some real estate agents do not do their job. It is unacceptable because the agent should know that the buyer is entitled to 3 keys. If the buyer only gets 1 or 2 keys, they don't know if someone has another key to their mailbox.

[nn0wheremann]

Closed on my (resale) house in the Villages (Monarch Grove) in June, finally moving in, and having a lot of difficulty with mailbox.

Realtor told me it’s simple to get a key for your mailbox, just take some proof of ownership to the U.S. post office in Wildwood and pick up your key. She didn’t seem to know the location of my mailbox or the number. I went to the PO, and they said they don’t handle TV issues, and that I’d need to go to the Lady Lake PO on Teague Trail. A 40-minute drive, but I went there only to be told they, too, do not handle TV issues, and I’d need to go to the PO on LaGrande Blvd, also in Lady Lake. There, I was told I’d need to pay $35 to replace the lock and it would take up 10 days. I paid the $35, she gave me 2 keys and said to check the lock every day – if it opens, that means the lock has been changed, but didn’t bother telling me the location or number of the mailbox! I finally figured out my mailbox location is at Swallowtail. I showed my keys to the attendant there and she told me they are the wrong kind of key -- they are for PO boxes, not TV mail station boxes. So now what do I do? I don't know who to believe anymore!

I called the PO, sifted through their menu for 20 minutes, and finally got someone to talk to. She told me I’d need to go back to Lady Lake (1.5 hour drive roundtrip) and explain the situation. She said she could not tell me the mailbox number.

What a waste of time when I have so many other moving issues to address! And leaving me confused -- I would think it reasonable that when someone buys a house in TV, they would get a mailbox, the mailbox location, the mailbox number, and the mailbox key when they close, but I received none of these and now have spent many hours over 2 days still with no solution!

Are my expectations too high? And wondering if others have had problems like this?
Contact the Villages sales office to find the mail station and box number assigned to your house. If your ZIP code is 32162 or 32163 go to the post office and tell them the mail station and box number, pay the fee, and they will install a new lock and key. Also, put a weekly hold on your mail delivery and instruct the post office that you will pick up your mail. That gives them incentive to fix the lock.

[Dusty_Star]

When we had our mailbox lock changed after closing, we went to Lady Lake PO. They gave us 2 keys and said the third key would be in the box when the lock was installed. Sure enough there it was. No problem.

Do you recall if this was the PO off of 441 or the one off of 25? Thanks!

[Velvet]

I had a hard time getting any of my keys to the house I bought. I closed remotely. I think the agent wanted to be my property manager while I was away. Finally, I wrote on the title company document, they will get paid WHEN all the keys ARE in my hand. Of course they complained about it, but they ended up notifying the real estate company the agent worked for. The keys arrived pronto.

[Bogie Shooter]

Do you recall if this was the PO off of 441 or the one off of 25? Thanks!

There is only one Lady Lake main PO……….

[robbroyy]

Go to the post office located next to El Rancherito off of 441. The post office on Teague no longer handles this. I was told by them that this is a common request…they process 4-5 requests per day on average.

[shut the front door]

Go to the post office located next to El Rancherito off of 441. The post office on Teague no longer handles this. I was told by them that this is a common request…they process 4-5 requests per day on average.

The original post is over a month old. I'm pretty sure the OP has their mail by now.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OK, but how are the keys 'issued'? Do you have to go to the PO in Lady Lake?
I'm kind of wondering why the only post office that serves the Villages isn't more centrally located...

They're issued at closing.

[JMintzer]

They're issued at closing.

You're supposed to get 3 keys. We only received 2. Some only get 1.

If the previous owners don't leave them, you're screwed... And some people lose them...