How to Stop Mail for Previous Residents: Complete Guide (2025)
Quick Solution
- 1. Write "Return to Sender - Not at This Address" on envelope
- 2. Cross out any barcode at the bottom
- 3. Leave in mailbox for carrier or drop in blue collection box
- 4. Repeat consistently until mail stops
After moving into a new home, it's common to receive mail for previous residents. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, it's important to handle it properly—opening mail not addressed to you is a federal offense. Here's how to stop the flow of unwanted mail and protect yourself legally.
Methods to Stop Previous Resident Mail
1. Return Each Piece (Most Effective)
- • Write "Return to Sender - Not at This Address" or "MLNA" (Moved, Left No Address)
- • Cross out any barcodes on the envelope
- • Don't write on the barcode area—just cross it out
- • Place in mailbox with flag up, or drop in blue box
2. Inform Your Carrier
Leave a note inside your mailbox listing the names that should receive mail at your address. This helps your carrier know to return mail for anyone else. You can also speak directly with your regular carrier.
3. Visit Your Post Office
Ask to speak with the supervisor. Request they add a note to your delivery record showing who lives at your address. They can flag mail for previous residents to be returned automatically.
4. Use "Delivery Instructions"
Through USPS.com (with a free account), you may be able to add delivery preferences. Some areas allow you to specify which names should receive mail at your address.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don't throw it away — Even "junk mail" addressed to others shouldn't be discarded
- ❌ Don't open it — Opening others' mail is a federal crime
- ❌ Don't set up forwarding for them — You can't forward someone else's mail legally
- ❌ Don't ignore it — The mail will continue indefinitely
Dealing with Persistent Junk Mail
Marketing mail addressed to "Current Resident" will continue regardless. For mail with previous resident names:
- • Pre-approved credit offers: Return or shred (these are high-risk for identity theft)
- • Catalogs: Contact the company directly to remove the address
- • Political mail: Return to sender—they pay for returns
- • First-class mail: Always return to sender
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop receiving mail for previous residents?
Write "Return to Sender - Not at This Address" on each piece and leave in mailbox for carrier. You can also ask the post office to mark the previous resident as "Moved, Left No Address" in their system so mail is automatically returned, or leave a note for your carrier listing only the names that should receive mail.
Can I throw away mail for previous residents?
No, you should not throw away or destroy mail addressed to others. Even though delivered to your address, it's still legally their mail. Return it to USPS marked "Not at This Address."
How long does it take for previous resident mail to stop?
If you consistently return mail, it typically decreases significantly within 2-4 weeks. Some sources (especially catalogs and political mailings) may take months. First-class mail usually stops fastest.
What about "Current Resident" mail?
"Current Resident" or "Occupant" mail is addressed to whoever lives there—that's you now. You can't return it. You can throw it away, but you'll continue receiving it.
Send Tracked Mail
When you send important mail, use certified mail for proof it arrived at the right place.
Send Certified Mail OnlineRelated Guides
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