POST and parcels often end up at the wrong address for one reason or another.
While it may be tempting to take a peek, doing so could land you in hot water — here’s everything you need to know about the laws and penalties surrounding opening someone else's mail.
Is it illegal to open someone else's post?
Households across the country use delivery services every day.
On some occasions post may be delivered to the wrong address, while on others someone such as a family member or former partner who no longer lives at that property may still be receiving post there.
The Postal Services Act 2000 clearly states that it is illegal to open someone else’s post.
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According to the Act: "A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he — (a)intentionally delays or opens a postal packet in the course of its transmission by post, or (b) intentionally opens a mail-bag.’’
It also states: "A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person’s detriment and without reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet which he knows or reasonably suspects has been incorrectly delivered to him.’’
The Act also refers to a person who ‘intentionally delays’ post being received – which means even throwing away unopened mail could land you in trouble.
Is it illegal to open your husband or wife's post?
As mentioned above, The Postal Services Act is clear that a person is committing an offence if they deliberately open post which they know or suspect has been incorrectly delivered to them.
Therefore, if your husband or wife no longer lives with you, you could land yourself in trouble opening their mail.
Similarly, you need to have consent when opening your spouse's mail.
According to Fosters Solicitors, if consent cannot be provided, only open someone else’s mail if you have legal authority, such as power of attorney, and are an acting executor in an estate.
What is the penalty for opening someone else's post?
These sanctions could lead to either a fine or a prison sentence.
Those found liable of the offence could face between six months to two years behind bars depending on the circumstances.
What should I do with someone else's post?
There are a few different ways to handle mail that isn’t addressed to you.
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Instead of opening it or throwing it away, here’s what you need to do to avoid legal trouble.
According to Royal Mail, if you do receive mail that has your address but not your name you can "put a cross through the address and write 'Not known at this address' or 'No longer lives here' and put it back in a postbox."
Where possible, the courier responsible for delivering the post will then return the item to the sender — hopefully allowing them to update their records.
Similarly, if you’ve received a ‘Something for you’ card that’s not in your name, Royal Mail recommends you dispose of the card and once the retention period has ended the courier will return the item to the sender.
If you’ve received mail that isn’t in your name or your address, you can send the item back — you won't need to apply any postage, the courier will then process and deliver it to the correct address.
In other mail-related news, find out how much first and second class stamps cost, discover the average salary a postman receives in the UK, and read more about the history and ownership of Royal Mail.
