Will be Renting this summer but homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox.

[azcindy]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

[retiredguy123]

If this is a short term rental, you may not have much choice. But if it is a long term rental, you can change your mailing address at the Post Office and get a new lock and keys. The landlord cannot control the box. The mailbox is owned by the USPS, not by the landlord. I would check with the Post Office about their policy for long vs short term rentals.

[azcindy]

If this is a short term rental, you may not have much choice. But if it is a long term rental, you can change your mailing address at the Post Office and get a new lock and keys. The landlord cannot control the box. The mailbox is owned by the USPS, not by the landlord. I would check with the Post Office about their policy for long vs short term rentals.

I have a 3 month rental with right of first refusal for subsequent months. Homeowner says because of Squatter rights, it is not good to let a tenant use your mailbox. I am not familiar with squatter rights, but that might be true.

Anyway, wish Amazon would let you know what shipping method they plan to use in advance so one can select the appropriate address.

[retiredguy123]

Just to clarify, it is not their mailbox. It is the property of the U.S. Government.

I don't think Amazon will tell you what shipping method they will use, but you can have packages delivered to a nearby Amazon locker for you to pick up.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The landlord is right to not let you use their mailbox. True story:

Someone nearby rented their house to someone, who filled out a change of address form, and had mail delivered to the mailbox at the postal station. The tenant then used mail sent there as proof of residence, and then used that proof of residence to hire a locksmith to change the locks at the house, thus locking the landlord out of their own home.

OP, maybe just live without Amazon for a couple of months.

[azcindy]

:

OP, maybe just live without Amazon for a couple of months.

Impossible! LOL :a040::a040::icon_wink:

[Pugchief]

Amazon will deliver ~98% of your boxes directly to your front door. If they end up shipping via USPS, go to the mail center while the carrier is there, knock on the door, and ask for your package and/or explain the situation. They are familiar with this dilemma and are generally accommodating. YMMV

[retiredguy123]

Amazon will deliver ~98% of your boxes directly to your front door. If they end up shipping via USPS, go to the mail center while the carrier is there, knock on the door, and ask for your package and/or explain the situation. They are familiar with this dilemma and are generally accommodating. YMMV
That may work at your mail station, but not at mine. The guy there won't give you the time of day, or a package. Besides, it is illegal to deliver a package that has the wrong name on it.

[Eg_cruz]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy
They give you a box number
When you get a package they hold it
I use them and never miss a package

[MsPCGenius]

"...you can have packages delivered to a nearby Amazon locker for you to pick up."

This is your best option. Just select the locker location of your choice when you order. They are literally available everywhere these days.

[retiredguy123]

"...you can have packages delivered to a nearby Amazon locker for you to pick up."

This is your best option. Just select the locker location of your choice when you order. They are literally available everywhere these days.
The only potential problem is that, if Amazon decides to use USPS, they will not deliver the package to an Amazon locker.

[Bill14564]

The only potential problem is that, if Amazon decides to use USPS, they will not deliver the package to an Amazon locker.

Isn't it more likely that if Amazon was shipping to an Amazon locker they would choose a delivery method that would be successful?

[jimhoward]

The landlord is right to not let you use their mailbox. True story:

Someone nearby rented their house to someone, who filled out a change of address form, and had mail delivered to the mailbox at the postal station. The tenant then used mail sent there as proof of residence, and then used that proof of residence to hire a locksmith to change the locks at the house, thus locking the landlord out of their own home.

OP, maybe just live without Amazon for a couple of months.


Wow that is so bizarre. If the tenants were intent on changing the locks, I wonder why they didn't just go to Home Depot buy a new lockset for the front door and replace it. Its a 1 hour job. Their more devious method seems more difficult and expensive.

And I wonder why they did it? Were they planning to squat? Or did they want to block landlord access during the tenancy? Answers not expected, just questions in my own mind.

[rustyp]

Just to clarify, it is not their mailbox. It is the property of the U.S. Government.

I don't think Amazon will tell you what shipping method they will use, but you can have packages delivered to a nearby Amazon locker for you to pick up.

Well then there should be no problem. Correct? Renter call the post office and demand a key !
:22yikes:

[Papa_lecki]

If its that important, find another place to rent, where you can use the mailbox

[retiredguy123]

Isn't it more likely that if Amazon was shipping to an Amazon locker they would choose a delivery method that would be successful?
The problem is that some Amazon orders are shipped by a third party seller who choose to use USPS to save money. I try to always select a 1 or 2 day delivery where it is not possible to use USPS because they cannot deliver that quickly.

[westernrider75]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

I believe you can have Amazon packages delivered to a neutral box location. I have never used this service but I know it asks me that question at checkout.

[westernrider75]

That may work at your mail station, but not at mine. The guy there won't give you the time of day, or a package. Besides, it is illegal to deliver a package that has the wrong name on it.

Why would it have the wrong name on it?

[retiredguy123]

Why would it have the wrong name on it?
Because the name on the package is not the house owner's name, which is registered to the mailbox.

[retiredguy123]

I believe you can have Amazon packages delivered to a neutral box location. I have never used this service but I know it asks me that question at checkout.
Not all packages. If the item is shipped by a third party seller, they can choose to use USPS, in which case USPS will not deliver the package to an Amazon locker. In that case, Amazon will not ask if you want the package delivered to a locker.

[Susan1717]

I would rent out a 3 month PO Box box near by at either a shipping store or post office. We do that every summer at our rental. They’ll let you use both the P.O. Box as address, or the shipping store address with your P.O. Box number as unit number, depending on how your deliveries come. It’s a very cheap charge, under $50 for all 3 months.

[SaucyJim]

OP, maybe just live without Amazon for a couple of months.

Live without Amazon? Now you’re just talking crazy talk. This is not a fantasy novel! lol!!

[SaucyJim]

Amazon will deliver ~98% of your boxes directly to your front door. If they end up shipping via USPS, go to the mail center while the carrier is there, knock on the door, and ask for your package and/or explain the situation. They are familiar with this dilemma and are generally accommodating. YMMV

I’ve seen this recommendation several times. I know many are retired, but I pray that in my retirement that watching for the carrier isn’t one of my daily activities.

[SaucyJim]

"...you can have packages delivered to a nearby Amazon locker for you to pick up."

This is your best option. Just select the locker location of your choice when you order. They are literally available everywhere these days.

If they are literally available everywhere, why not have one installed on my front porch? That would solve the problem.

[oneclickplus]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

Use an Amazon locker

[rochellepfaff]

[QUOTE=azcindy;2424344]The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,


Cindy [Have you spoken with one of the wrap and ship places? My sister owns one in Nashville and they accept packages for their mailbox renters.

[retiredguy123]

Note that the Amazon locker option will not solve the OP's problem. A locker delivery is only available for "items sold or fulfilled by Amazon.com". These items would normally be delivered to the OP's rental house anyway. USPS will not deliver an item to an Amazon locker. So, if the shipper decides to use USPS, the package cannot be delivered to a locker.

[Topgun 1776]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

If I were you, I would NOT follow that advice to gain control over the mailbox.

If you did circumvent the landlord, speaking as a tenant and a landlord, I would do everything I could to evict you immediately or bring suit against you.

Why create a horrible, adversarial relationship when you could simply rent a mailbox as the owner suggested?

Some would give you advice that stirs up a hornet's nest, because they're not involved and like to see others in turmoil because it's fun for them.

My advice... Let this go....it's not worth it.

[dougjb]

That landlord seems overly paranoid. I once rented a courtyard villa in the Villages for a season (think mega bucks up front). The landlord spent over 45 minutes on the phone with each of my references then checked my professional licensure with the state of Florida. Then, once I was in residence in the villa, the landlord wanted to conduct monthly checks of the house by asking a neighbor to walk through the houst and take pictures. I was appalled by his intrusiveness and his paranoia. Obviously, I did not rent from this couple again.

It was obvious to me that this person really had never been a landlord before. Nor should he ever be a landlord in the future! When you rent your property, you take all appropriate legal safeguards, but then you have to trust that your due diligence was adequate to the task!

[bowlingal]

just have someone from back home overnight your mail once a week or so.

[Cliff Fr]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

You may have to buy local while you are here.

[hav7979]

Just only buy items shipped by Amazon and have them shipped to an Amazon locker.

[Maker]

You can have many "ship to" addresses in your amazon profile. Handy to send a present to someone in another state.
One possible workaround would be to only use prime next day delivery. Those always go to the physical address because USPS cannot economically deliver that fast.

[CybrSage]

Because the name on the package is not the house owner's name, which is registered to the mailbox.

I am still getting mail from two previous customers owners (at my house up north). They have not lived there for 3 and 5 years, respectively.

I also get mail for someone named Current Resident, which is obviously no one's name.

The name only matters for who opens the mail, not for delivery of the mail.

[retiredguy123]

I am still getting mail from two previous customers owners (at my house up north). They have not lived there for 3 and 5 years, respectively.

I also get mail for someone named Current Resident, which is obviously no one's name.

The name only matters for who opens the mail, not for delivery of the mail.
Hopefully, they handle packages differently, but maybe not.

[retiredguy123]

Just only buy items shipped by Amazon and have them shipped to an Amazon locker.
I doubt that having a package delivered to an Amazon locker will prevent a USPS delivery. If they offer delivery to a locker, then they will either deliver it to the locker or directly to the rental house. I would prefer to receive the package at the house.

[sallyg]

We faced a similar problem and chose Safe Ship. Bad decision. Never got a single piece of mail delivered. It was beyond maddening. Suggest trying the post office. Good luck.

[Topspinmo]

If its that important, find another place to rent, where you can use the mailbox

I agree plenty of rentals especially during summer.

[Topspinmo]

We faced a similar problem and chose Safe Ship. Bad decision. Never got a single piece of mail delivered. It was beyond maddening. Suggest trying the post office. Good luck.

When I rented I had pick my mail up at lady lake post office.

[Bill14564]

I doubt that having a package delivered to an Amazon locker will prevent a USPS delivery. If they offer delivery to a locker, then they will either deliver it to the locker or directly to the rental house. I would prefer to receive the package at the house.

If the delivery address that you give to Amazon is the locker then that item is not going to show up at the house.

If the locker is not an available option for a particular item then you're taking a chance that USPS could be involved which would be a problem for the OP.

If you use the house address it will always be a gamble. You may feel it is a safe bet because you are *sure* Amazon will use the proper shipping method and you may be right most of the time but just like going to Las Vegas, I would only gamble with money I am willing to lose.

[retiredguy123]

My only point was that, if you want to avoid a USPS delivery, having it delivered to an Amazon locker will not accomplish your goal.

[retiredguy123]

Note that the tracking number will provide information about how the package will be delivered. "TBA" is an Amazon number which will arrive at your house, almost always. "1Z" is a UPS number, and it can arrive at your house, but sometimes UPS will divert it to USPS. "9" is a USPS number, and it will be delivered to the mailbox, unless it is too large, and then you don't know where it will end up.

[Gsorace]

I had a short term rental & allowed the use of mailbox. Now part of my mail never gets to me. My tenant innocently put in a change of address when she left and I can't even get the employees to put MY name back on the box.

[meboyle]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy
I rented a mailbox at the UPS store. It worked out great for me. Or put a hold on your mail at your home address. The homeowner does not have to give up the key. But some will if you will pay for it upfront if you lose it. Good luck.

[jimmy o]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy
Amazon allows for shipping to any address regardless of what your mailing address is. Just put in shipping address that you want, and then add special instruction that it must be shipped to that property address and not mailbox.

[Bill14564]

My only point was that, if you want to avoid a USPS delivery, having it delivered to an Amazon locker will not accomplish your goal.

My point is that having it delivered to an Amazon locker WILL accomplish the OP's goal.

I really don't care if the USPS handles the package as long as it gets delivered to the locker.

If the USPS won't deliver to the locker then Amazon WILL NOT use the USPS for deliveries destined for the locker.

Not all items will have the locker as a delivery option. The OP is taking a risk if they order those items.

[Sgt Ed]

That may work at your mail station, but not at mine. The guy there won't give you the time of day, or a package. Besides, it is illegal to deliver a package that has the wrong name on it. If the name is wrong how come i still get mail from the past 4 owners of the house?

[retiredguy123]

My point is that having it delivered to an Amazon locker WILL accomplish the OP's goal.

I really don't care if the USPS handles the package as long as it gets delivered to the locker.

If the USPS won't deliver to the locker then Amazon WILL NOT use the USPS for deliveries destined for the locker.

Not all items will have the locker as a delivery option. The OP is taking a risk if they order those items.
I think we agree. But, some posters seem to think that, if they opt for a locker delivery, they are avoiding USPS deliveries. The shipper can decide to use USPS, and the customer cannot change that form of delivery. If you are offered and accept a locker delivery, all you are doing is diverting the package from the house to a locker.

[retiredguy123]

Amazon allows for shipping to any address regardless of what your mailing address is. Just put in shipping address that you want, and then add special instruction that it must be shipped to that property address and not mailbox.
Yes, you can specify any address, but, if the shipper chooses to use USPS, they will place the package into the mailbox at the address.

[Bill14564]

I think we agree. But, some posters seem to think that, if they opt for a locker delivery, they are avoiding USPS deliveries. The shipper can decide to use USPS, and the customer cannot change that form of delivery. If you are offered and accept a locker delivery, all you are doing is diverting the package from the house a locker.

Absolutely.

The difference is, a "house" delivery may come to my door or may come to the postal station. If it comes to the postal station then the OP has a problem.

The locker delivery goes to the locker. I really don't care what uniform the guy is wearing as the package travels, I know it will get to the locker.

[azcindy]

We faced a similar problem and chose Safe Ship. Bad decision. Never got a single piece of mail delivered. It was beyond maddening. Suggest trying the post office. Good luck.

Wow! I was considering Safe Ship in Magnolia plaza.

Have others had this experience with Safe Ship?

Thanks!

[retiredguy123]

Absolutely.

The difference is, a "house" delivery may come to my door or may come to the postal station. If it comes to the postal station then the OP has a problem.

The locker delivery goes to the locker. I really don't care what uniform the guy is wearing as the package travels, I know it will get to the locker.
The USPS will not accept anything that doesn't have postage. The Amazon truck driver will either deliver the package to the house or to the locker, but not to the postal station.

[Professor]

I have a 3 month rental with right of first refusal for subsequent months. Homeowner says because of Squatter rights, it is not good to let a tenant use your mailbox. I am not familiar with squatter rights, but that might be true.

Anyway, wish Amazon would let you know what shipping method they plan to use in advance so one can select the appropriate address.

Use a pickup location just to keep things simple is my suggestion.

[Danube]

If this is a short term rental, you may not have much choice. But if it is a long term rental, you can change your mailing address at the Post Office and get a new lock and keys. The landlord cannot control the box. The mailbox is owned by the USPS, not by the landlord. I would check with the Post Office about their policy for long vs short term rentals.

If I were the landlord and a renter did that or even tried to do that, they'd be out of my house by any means necessary.

It would be part of the rental contract- leave the USPS box alone.

[retiredguy123]

If I were the landlord and a renter did that or even tried to do that, they'd be out of my house by any means necessary.

It would be part of the rental contract- leave the USPS box alone.
I agree if it is a short term lease, like 3 months or so. But, if the renter has a one year or longer lease, they have established a permanent address, and they have the right to receive mail from the Post Office.

[Danube]

I agree if it is a short term lease, like 3 months or so. But, if the renter has a one year or longer lease, they have established a permanent address, and they have the right to receive mail from the Post Office.


And then the landord has the right to evict them + possible damages if they signed the contract stating they would not attempt to use the USPS box. Nothing wrong with that language in a rental contract.

Do you think a long-term trader would also have the right to do a change-of-address for the box, re-directing mail that's addressed to the property owner? Or mark items addressed to the property owner "not at this address"?

Does a long-term renter has a right to remove a tree or repaint the property owner's house? After all, they are a resident there.

They could always rent from someone else.

[Bill14564]

The USPS will not accept anything that doesn't have postage. The Amazon truck driver will either deliver the package to the house or to the locker, but not to the postal station.

I think we agree so I don't understand why these details matter. I don't get to choose who carries the package.

If I ask for it to be delivered to a locker then it is delivered to a locker. I don't know and I don't care who carries the package, all I know is I will be able to pick it up from the locker.

If I ask for it to be delivered to my house then it will either be dropped at my door or will show up in the postal station. I don't know which will happen and I have no control over which will happen - it will be a surprise to me.

*IF* I could specify the method of shipping then maybe I would demand Amazon delivery so it shows up at my door. However, that is not something I can specify, all I can say is "locker" or "house" where:
locker -> locker (and I don't know how it gets there)
house -> front door OR postal station (and I don't have any control over which)

[retiredguy123]

And then the landord has the right to evict them + possible damages if they signed the contract stating they would not attempt to use the USPS box. Nothing wrong with that language in a rental contract.

Do you think a long-term trader would also have the right to do a change-of-address for the box, re-directing mail that's addressed to the property owner? Or mark items addressed to the property owner "not at this address"?

Does a long-term renter has a right to remove a tree or repaint the property owner's house? After all, they are a resident there.

They could always rent from someone else.
If access to the mailbox is specified in the lease, it may be a gray area. But, the USPS has specific rules for tenant access to the mailbox, which is owned and controlled by the Federal Government, not the landlord. Google it.

[nn0wheremann]

If this is a short term rental, you may not have much choice. But if it is a long term rental, you can change your mailing address at the Post Office and get a new lock and keys. The landlord cannot control the box. The mailbox is owned by the USPS, not by the landlord. I would check with the Post Office about their policy for long vs short term rentals.
If you change address to the rental, it will follow you forever on your credit history. Every fool database seller, like whitpages dot com, will associate you with that address, amd with everyone who has owned or rented that address, and their relatives, forever. You don’t want that to happen.
Amazon will allow you to specify an alternate delivery address for packages, but be careful, they might deliver by postal mail to the rental house box at the mail station.

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

You can have the US Postal service give you a regular PO box for mail and a special PO box for packages. Of course, there is a cost for doing that. But that is what we are doing when we rent for e months next year. We will be using the USPS office in Oxford, which is near where we will be renting. I will have to pick up the mail with the key they gave me, but that is fine. The Villages rental program will not give you a mailbox either. You have to use USPS or UPS, and USPS is cheaper.

[Beats]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy
I would not let you use the mailbox as well, it is a short term rental and it establishes residency and a possible nightmare if you or anyone wanted to squat in that home. Believe me I have been there! If I am not mistaken Amazon uses their own vehicles and does not use USPS, I have used them many times and they have NEVER used USPS. Maybe if you buy from Temu they would use USPS. Don't like it then don't rent from them and good luck with that, too many people have been burnt by letting renters think that they rent for a few months and get the same benefits that we pay for year round. Want a mailbox, pony up like the rest of us did and buy a house here.

[CosmicTrucker]

Amazon will allow you to ship to their drop boxes around The Villages.



The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

[Bill14564]

...
If I am not mistaken Amazon uses their own vehicles and does not use USPS, I have used them many times and they have NEVER used USPS. Maybe if you buy from Temu they would use USPS.
...

You are mistaken. Apparently, I and a few others on here order from Amazon more than you do.

Other than that, what a nice, neighborly message.

[Danube]

If access to the mailbox is specified in the lease, it may be a gray area. But, the USPS has specific rules for tenant access to the mailbox, which is owned and controlled by the Federal Government, not the landlord. Google it.

Wrong again.

[MPHub]

Just insert on your Amazon address: FRONT PORCH DELIVERY ONLY. It worked for us.

[MPHub]

Amazon uses USPS for small items all the time.

[nhkim]

This is what we did for the two years that we rented before we bought. I didn't want to use the owner's mailbox because my thought was that once we were gone, what if important things showed up and were sitting in their box? (They didn't live in the house, so didn't always get their mail.) Examples would be anything from Social Security or Medicare. If you do a change of address with them, it will turn into its own nightmare.

Anyway, we went to the UPS Store at Pinellas (that was the closest to our rental) and got a mailbox there. You are given a physical address with a number behind it. I can't remember exactly how it goes. You have your own mailbox that you can access 24/7 because you get a key to the store that only allows access to the mailboxes. If something is delivered that doesn't fit in the box, you get a text message or email about it (I think I'm remembering correctly), and then you just need to go in during store hours to retrieve it. So that UPS box covers anything that comes any way it's sent: UPS, FedEx, USPS. The only downside is that you have to schlep over to the store to pick up everything, although you won't go there on a wild goose chase because you'll have notification that it's there.

That's one of the downsides to not owning your own place, but it's manageable.

[AugustRush]

I believe that Hometown Property Management advises short term renters [in The Villages] to obtain a mail/PO Box during their stay. The management company does not give the homeowner's USPS mailbox key to the renters during their stay.
Mail boxes are available at the UPS store or post office and will save you a lot of headaches for temporary residency/vacations. They can receive your Amazon items. I've found this is the best option to prevent problems with mail/packages during a visit and especially important for mail ordered medication shipped via USPS!
(*I've found on occasion though, that some sellers on Amazon won't ship an item to a PO Box, so I've had to buy it through a different seller). Amazon usually doesn't disclose which carrier they will use. Don't assume something big or heavy won't come USPS. Good Luck!

[Telma]

I called Amazon couple years ago and requested to not use USPS and they honored that.

[Kelevision]

Wow! I was considering Safe Ship in Magnolia plaza.

Have others had this experience with Safe Ship?

Thanks!

I’ve only used them to return or ship items but have never had any issues.

[DarrenandKathy]

You can have multiple ship to addresses with Amazon.
My mailing address is in Canada and I have my US shipping address as well as my home address in their system.
I have also had items over the years that I had shipped to my business address and other persons.
I personally wouldn’t give up my postal box for anything short of a years lease.

[USOTR]

We use to travel allot via 5th wheel. We used a PO box forwarding service, and so this became our mailing address. For shipping we used the physical address to where ever we would be staying that week. Amazon had no problem with delivering to our physical address with means other than USPS.

[Nana2Teddy]

When we moved here in 2022 before purchasing a home we were in a rental for 6 weeks. Our landlord didn’t want us using her mailbox so we rented a box at SafeShip for 3 months (best deal over monthly). You get a physical address to use, not just a PO box# even though you are assigned a box. When you receive packages from Amazon or wherever, they put a notice in your box letting you know you have a package too. We (I) made many Amazon purchases and all arrived safely at SafeShip and were passed on to us. Easy peasy.

[retiredguy123]

I called Amazon couple years ago and requested to not use USPS and they honored that.
So, what happens when you order a package from Amazon that is sold and shipped by a third party who uses USPS?

[retiredguy123]

Just insert on your Amazon address: FRONT PORCH DELIVERY ONLY. It worked for us.
If you order a package from Amazon that is sold and delivered by a third party who only uses USPS, doesn't the USPS place the item in your mailbox? Or does Amazon refuse to sell the item to you?

[Velvet]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

It sounds like they’ve rented you the accommodations but not their mail box too. Because private mail arrives at my mailbox I wouldn’t rent it out either. I also don’t rent out my car, my purse etc you get the idea.

Renting your own post box seems like a good idea.

[Beats]

Well then there should be no problem. Correct? Renter call the post office and demand a key !
:22yikes:
Yeah, good luck with that when you do not own the home and the have no record of you. Think they just give out keys to anyone without proof, and then you demand a key!

[Beats]

Well then there should be no problem. Correct? Renter call the post office and demand a key !
:22yikes:

Good luck with that, think the just give out a key to anyone without proof, and then after you demand a key!

[retiredguy123]

Good luck with that, think the just give out a key to anyone without proof, and then after you demand a key!
You need proof that you are the legal resident of the house.

[Sully2023]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy

I rented different homes for five months before buying. I had good service from the local post office. I went into the post office area where the mail is delivered and told them I was looking for a package delivered to the address i was staying they accommodated me and gave me the items that was shipped to the home address. With my name on it.

[wamley]

Amazon delievers to any address you put into their addresses in your membership, They don't deliever via USPS

[Danube]

You need proof that you are the legal resident of the house.

No. Because more than one person or family can be a resident of the same property.

Anyway, my point was just put in the rental contract that it does not include using the USPS mailbox. Totally legal and if violated grounds for eviction if not a beatin'.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wow that is so bizarre. If the tenants were intent on changing the locks, I wonder why they didn't just go to Home Depot buy a new lockset for the front door and replace it. Its a 1 hour job. Their more devious method seems more difficult and expensive.

And I wonder why they did it? Were they planning to squat? Or did they want to block landlord access during the tenancy? Answers not expected, just questions in my own mind.

They were planning on taking possession of the house. It's a "thing" that happens, it's a scam, fraud - people get legal possession of a property by simply changing their legal address. It becomes incredibly difficult to kick them out at that point. Eviction is much easier to do, if the tenant doesn't have that address as their legal address on record.

[Eg_cruz]

We faced a similar problem and chose Safe Ship. Bad decision. Never got a single piece of mail delivered. It was beyond maddening. Suggest trying the post office. Good luck.
Not sure why
I have used them for 3 yrs and I get mail and packages with zero problems

[Full-timer]

You are renting short term and you need to buy From Amazon? If it was me, I wouldn't let you use the mail box either.

All the issues that would/could arise from this is crazy. One of them is your issue about where your packages would go and when.

How about curbing your Amazon while there? What could you possibly need from Amazon while at a rental for a month or two you can't go get?

[DARFAP]

The homeowner will not allow me to use her mailbox when I rent her house. She suggested I signup for SafeShip or the UPS store to get a PO box. Problem is these places give you a physical address, not a PO Box number. So how do I get Amazon packages delivered to my physical rental address, and not my mailing address? Amazon does not have a section for mailing address only and the 2 addresses would be different zip codes so I can't have both addresses on one form. This becomes more problematic when Amazon decides to ship via USPS (and normally you don't know in advance). Hopefully someone has dealt with this.

Thanks,

Cindy
Standard ops

[mraines]

Well then there should be no problem. Correct? Renter call the post office and demand a key !
:22yikes:
There are legal reasons why the owner should not let you use their mailbox. My daughter rented out her home and she is an attorney and would not let them use her box. Same for a golf cart. Too many legal issues.

[azcindy]

Lots of helpful responses here. I am really looking forward to moving to The Villages. I am renting for 4-6 months (or more) while I take my time exploring exactly which area I want to buy in and while waiting to finalize the sale of my house in Arizona (hoping it will be sold before I move, but the market is slow). Of course renting presents a few challenges, but it will be worth it. Thanks again.

Cindy

[Velvet]

Lots of helpful responses here. I am really looking forward to moving to The Villages. I am renting for 4-6 months (or more) while I take my time exploring exactly which area I want to buy in and while waiting to finalize the sale of my house in Arizona (hoping it will be sold before I move, but the market is slow). Of course renting presents a few challenges, but it will be worth it. Thanks again.

Cindy

Good luck and welcome!

[PLedoux]

They give you a box number
When you get a package they hold it
I use them and never miss a package

Agree. We had the same situation with a rental and never had a problem with packages. In fact, it was nice to have packages not left on the front porch available for pickup by “non-authorized persons.” They leave a note in your box that you have a package and you go to the counter and ask for it. I found them to be far nicer and more cooperative than the personnel at the Villages mail centers.

[HellToupee]

Lots of helpful responses here. I am really looking forward to moving to The Villages. I am renting for 4-6 months (or more) while I take my time exploring exactly which area I want to buy in and while waiting to finalize the sale of my house in Arizona (hoping it will be sold before I move, but the market is slow). Of course renting presents a few challenges, but it will be worth it. Thanks again.

Cindy

We were in the same situation as you. We rented in Richmond and had our mail delivered to Safe Ship at Magnolia. Zero problems and very helpful staff. The ups store on Warm Springs is great well and still use them for packages. The USPS in Wildwood is in a sketchy plaza but are easy to deal with as far as POs go