A locking mailbox is the safest way to secure your private correspondence. But when you live in an HOA-regulated community, you also need to make sure your mailbox falls within the standards of the Association.
What is an HOA?
Many subdivisions employ HOAs, or Homeowners Associations, to regulate and maintain community standards. They typically charge fees to every property in the subdivision. In return, the homeowner has voting rights in HOA decisions.
HOAs usually regulate aesthetic community standards like permitted painting, lawn maintenance, regulation on fencing, and acceptable structures built on property, like mailboxes.
HOAs and mailboxes
Many HOAs employ stringent and exacting standards governing the types and sizes of mailboxes allowed within the subdivision. Some HOAs even provide the mailboxes to each resident.
While this may seem like a nice benefit, remember that personal and financial materials will be sent to and from this mailbox. If you live in an HOA-regulated community that provides mailboxes, you can exercise your voting rights and advocate for more secure mailboxes. Remember, your identity is only as safe as the method used to guard it.
Curbside Mailboxes
A locking mailbox is the safest way to secure your private correspondence. Due to postal regulations, a curbside locking mailbox is required to be larger than a standard mailbox. When considering a locking mailbox, contact your HOA to ensure that you won't be in violation of their standards.
Wall mount mailboxes
A Wall Mount Mailbox is another possibility. A wall mount mailbox affixes to the side of a building, like your home. Some models, such as the Mail Boss Townhouse and Metro, are lockable. As these mailboxes sit away from the street, they run less risk of violating HOA standards.
Package Mailboxes
Many delivery services leave large packages or oversize letters on the front step, making them ripe targets for theft. You can petition your HOA to provide a locking Package Mailbox for each block. The postman places your delivery into the package mailbox and then provides you with a key and a note informing you of the delivery. That way, the safety of your online purchases is not at the mercy of neighbors or passersby.