Getting key for Cluster Mailbox (how much, install, cost, code)

[thxbest]

At our new home we have a cluster mailbox a few houses down on the other street side of our home. We did not get a key for it.

What is the best and cheapest way to get a key for the cluster mailbox?

Who had the same situation and can advise? Thanks!

[Archan]

I believe that you have to go to your local post office to get it. It shouldn't cost anything.

[thxbest]

Originally Posted by Archan

I believe that you have to go to your local post office to get it. It shouldn't cost anything.

Maybe they have to make a new key for the cluster mailbox or do they have all the keys there?

Are you sure that the key doesn't cost anything?

[Archan]

If I remember they had the keys there and I don't remember having to pay anything.

[frecny]

We went to the local hardware store and installed our own...very easy to do yourself.

[thxbest]

Originally Posted by frecny

We went to the local hardware store and installed our own...very easy to do yourself.

Did you install a cluster mailbox or a privat mailbox?

How much did you pay?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Postal Stations, or "cluster mailboxes" are a new requirement from the USPS. It saves on fuel expense- instead of the 1 mailbox, 100ft, another mailbox, etc.

The stations will be part of the subdivision- the HOA should have information as to who installed and where to get keys, do repairs.
The USPS has no "keys" or other responsibility.

[thxbest]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Postal Stations, or "cluster mailboxes" are a new requirement from the USPS. It saves on fuel expense- instead of the 1 mailbox, 100ft, another mailbox, etc.

The stations will be part of the subdivision- the HOA should have information as to who installed and where to get keys, do repairs.
The USPS has no "keys" or other responsibility.

There is no HOA. It's a single family residence.

[trbstang]

We had to get our keys from the post office at our current house since it was a new house. They replaced the lock on the box at the rental house we were in before and delivered the keys to us. Best bet is to find out which post office services your area and contact them. Or ask the postal carrier when you see them in the neighborhood.

[Rabrrita]

Go to the Post Office for your zip code and they will do one of three things:
1. Hand you the key if it’s a new build, or if they already had changed the lock for some other reasons.
2. Arrange for a change of lock and have you come back in a few days to get the key.
3. Arrange to open your slot so you can put an approved lock on your box.

You need your box slot open in order to change the lock, so the Post Office generally has to get involved in some manner. It's not hard or difficult; all you need to do is go to the Post Office.