It‘s a frustrating feeling that most of us have experienced at one time or another – reaching for your mailbox key only to discover that it‘s nowhere to be found. Whether it slipped off your key ring unnoticed or you simply misplaced it, a lost mailbox key can really throw a wrench in your daily routine.
In fact, according to a recent survey by the Lock and Key Shop, nearly 37% of Americans admit to losing their keys at least once a year. Mailbox keys are among the most commonly misplaced, right up there with house keys and car keys.
If you find yourself in this predicament, don‘t panic. While it‘s certainly an inconvenience, losing a mailbox key is a common problem that can usually be resolved without too much hassle. The specific steps you‘ll need to take will depend on the type of mailbox you have, as well as your living situation. Let‘s break down what to do for the most common mailbox scenarios.
Dealing with a Lost Key for a Community or Apartment Mailbox
Do you live in an apartment building or housing complex that has cluster boxes for mail delivery? These locked boxes, also known as CBUs (cluster box units) or NDCBUs (neighborhood delivery collection box units), are a secure and efficient way for USPS to deliver mail to multiple recipients at once.
Each individual mailbox within the cluster has its own unique key, which is typically issued to the tenant by the property owner or manager. So what happens if you lose yours? Here‘s what you need to know:
Step 1: Contact Your Landlord or Property Manager ASAP
As soon as you realize your mailbox key is lost, notify your landlord, property manager, or HOA right away. They are responsible for coordinating any repairs or key replacements with the USPS.
In most cases, the property owner will request a new key on your behalf and pass the associated costs on to you. According to David Byers, a property manager in Denver, CO, the average cost to replace a lost mailbox key is between $25 to $50 per key, depending on your area.
"It‘s important for tenants to understand that replacing a lost mailbox key isn‘t as simple as having a duplicate made at the hardware store," says Byers. "All CBU mailbox keys are official USPS property and are strictly regulated. Only authorized postal service employees can duplicate or replace them."
Byers notes that some landlords may charge an additional administrative or "lock-out" fee on top of the key replacement cost. "Be sure to review your lease agreement carefully, as it should spell out any fees associated with lost keys," he advises.
Step 2: Consider Putting Your Mail on Hold
Depending on how quickly your property manager is able to secure a replacement key from USPS, you may be without mailbox access for several days or even weeks. To avoid an overstuffed mailbox and potential mail theft, it‘s a smart idea to place a temporary hold on your deliveries.
You can easily request a mail hold online via the USPS Hold Mail Service. Simply enter the dates you want your mail held (up to 30 days), and pick it up at your local post office branch when your new key arrives. This service is free of charge and can be a real lifesaver in the event of a lost mailbox key.
Replacing a Lost PO Box Key
For the nearly 21 million Americans who rent a post office box, losing the key to that box can be a real headache. A PO box is a secure, locked receptacle located inside a post office lobby, providing a way for individuals and businesses to receive mail without using a home address.
If you‘re a PO box holder and have lost one or both of your keys, here‘s what you need to do:
Visit Your Post Office and Fill Out Form 1094
The first step is to go in person to the post office where your PO box is located. You‘ll need to fill out USPS Form 1094, also known as a Duplicate Key Request. This form asks for basic information like your name, PO box number, and the reason for your request (lost key).
According to Julie Rios, a USPS customer service representative in Houston, TX, most post offices charge between $10 to $20 for a replacement PO box key. This fee covers the cost of the new key(s) as well as a refundable deposit.
"The key deposit is typically between $2 to $4 per key, and is refunded to the customer when they eventually close out their PO box and return the keys," says Rios. "As long as your account is in good standing and you have a photo ID, getting a replacement key is a pretty quick and easy process."
A Note on Worn or Damaged Keys
It‘s worth noting that if you still have at least one functioning PO box key, but it has become worn down or damaged with use, you may be able to get a free replacement. Bring your key to the post office counter and request to have it swapped out. As long as the key isn‘t lost or stolen, USPS will typically replace it at no charge.
Regaining Access to Your Residential Mailbox
If you live in a single-family home or duplex, chances are you have a dedicated mailbox on your property for receiving deliveries. These mailboxes come in a variety of styles and mounting options, but most have some type of locking mechanism to keep your mail secure until you retrieve it.
Because residential mailboxes are purchased and installed by the homeowner, USPS does not have copies of the associated keys. That means if you lose your mailbox key, you‘ll have to handle the replacement process yourself. Here are your two main options:
Option 1: Call a Professional Locksmith
Often the quickest way to regain access to a locked mailbox is to contact a local locksmith who has experience with mailbox locks. They will come out to your home, usually within a matter of hours, and create a new key on the spot.
However, this speed and convenience does come at a cost. HomeAdvisor reports that the average price for a locksmith to open a mailbox lock and provide a new key is around $85, although this can vary quite a bit based on your location. Expect to pay a basic service call fee, plus labor and parts for rekeying the lock.
"In most cases, it‘s more economical for the customer if we can rekey the existing mailbox lock, rather than replace it entirely," says Mark Henderson, a professional locksmith in Fort Worth, TX. "If the lock is damaged or the customer wants an upgrade, a new lock assembly can run anywhere from $30 to over $100, depending on the type and brand."
While hiring a locksmith is undoubtedly more expensive than ordering a replacement key from the manufacturer, it‘s usually the best bet if you need to get your mail flowing again as quickly as possible. Plus, since the cost is often less than your insurance deductible, you likely can‘t count on homeowner‘s coverage to defray the price.
Option 2: Contact the Mailbox Manufacturer for a Replacement Key
A more affordable, although slightly slower, option for residential mailbox owners is to reach out directly to the company that produced the mailbox. Most major manufacturers offer some kind of key replacement service for customers who have lost or damaged their keys.
The process is usually pretty straightforward – you‘ll provide proof of ownership (a photo of your mailbox, your address, etc.), along with payment for the replacement key and shipping fees. Then, you simply wait for your new key to arrive in the mail, typically within about a week.
The cost of a replacement key from the manufacturer is usually in the ballpark of $10 to $25, depending on the brand. While not an insignificant amount, it‘s still far cheaper than what you would pay a locksmith. Just keep in mind that you won‘t be able to access your mailbox in the meantime, so put your mail on hold during the 5-7 business days it takes for your key to arrive.
If you‘re unsure of what brand or model your residential mailbox is, start by taking a close look at the box itself. Most will have some kind of logo, brand name, or sticker indicating the manufacturer. You can also try checking your purchase records if you bought the house new, or contacting the builder for guidance.
Tips for Preventing Lost Mailbox Keys
Losing a mailbox key is more than just an annoyance – it can also open you up to potential mail theft and even identity theft if that key falls into the wrong hands. According to USPS data, mail theft from collection boxes has seen an uptick in recent years, particularly in urban areas.
To avoid the hassle and potential security risks of a lost mailbox key, try implementing these preventative tips:
• Keep a spare key in a safe place, such as with a trusted family member or tucked away in a fireproof home safe. Just avoid the obvious hiding spots, like under your doormat or in a fake rock!
• Consider upgrading to a keyless lock, such as one that uses a combination code or electronic keypad. These locks eliminate the risk of lost keys altogether and can be more convenient in the long run.
• If you opt to have copies of your mailbox key made, be sure to go to a reputable locksmith or key duplication service. Cheap, flimsy copies may not work reliably and could leave you locked out.
• Attach a key tracker device, like a Tile or Apple AirTag, to your mailbox key ring. These small, electronic tags connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and can help you pinpoint the location of misplaced keys within a certain range.
• Properly label your mailbox keys with a small tag or sticker indicating what they are for. Avoid putting your full address or box number for security reasons – a simple "Home Mailbox" or "PO Box" will suffice. This small step can prevent mix-ups with your other keys.
By taking a proactive approach to key management and security, you can greatly reduce the chances of losing your mailbox key – and the accompanying stress and expense.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, a lost mailbox key is certainly a frustrating situation, but it‘s one that most people will deal with at some point in their adult lives. The key is not to panic, and follow the appropriate steps based on your unique circumstances and mailbox setup.
Whether you‘re contacting your landlord, filling out a form at the post office, or calling a locksmith, just keep in mind that you have options – and that your mail delivery will be back up and running before you know it. In the meantime, consider implementing some of the smart key loss prevention strategies outlined above. A little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
