Royal Mail has a simple solution for homeowners who want to stop unwanted post coming through their letterbox. The postal service shares advice on its website, answering frequently asked questions about opting out of having mail left with a neighbour or being asked to take in mail for neighbours.
How the Opt-Out Sticker Works
Customers who prefer not to have any of their items delivered to a neighbour can opt out by displaying a sticker at their address. Royal Mail explains: "If you'd prefer not to have any of your items delivered to a neighbour, you can opt out by displaying a sticker at your address."
After receiving the customer's details, Royal Mail sends a sticker to display on or near the letterbox. The sticker should arrive within four working days of completing the online form. Once the opt-out sticker is on display, Royal Mail will not deliver mail to a neighbour or ask the customer to accept a neighbour's mail.
Partial Opt-Out Option
For those who want items left with a neighbour when they are not home but do not want to receive their neighbour's undelivered mail, Royal Mail advises: "Just tell the post person when they arrive."
Customers can also opt out of advertising mail, but there are important rules to note. Royal Mail's website states: "We are legally obliged to deliver all addressed mail, which includes mail that is addressed 'To the Occupier' (or with any other generic recipient information), as well as mail that is personally addressed to you by name."
Limitations of the Opt-Out
Opting out of Royal Mail Door to Door stops all unaddressed mail from being delivered. However, in rare cases, Royal Mail works with the government to deliver important messages to every UK address when it is in the national interest. The website also notes: "We deliver a minority of the total volume of unaddressed mail items in the United Kingdom. Our opt-out does not cover any other distributors, who will continue to deliver unaddressed mail items to your property. Opting out of Royal Mail Door to Door deliveries may not significantly reduce the amount of mail you receive."
Customers can order additional or replacement stickers via the online form on the Royal Mail website.
