Mailboxes don't just provide a convenient place to receive mail, they often help prevent identity theft by keeping important letters safely locked away while the owners are out. Mailboxes and the right of a tenant to have access to his mail are regulated by state and federal ordinances.
Tampering
Under Section 1702 of the U.S. Code, it is unlawful for anyone to tamper with another person's mail. A tenant who believes his landlord is opening or otherwise inspecting the mail is entitled to report the owner to local authorities.
Access
Some states, such as California, expressly require that each tenant have access to a lockable mailbox. The Fair Housing Act also lists access to mailboxes as one of the basic requirements for compliance with accessibility standards.
Read More: What are the Laws for Apartment Dwellers' Mailboxes?
Height
Mailboxes that are not accessible by those in wheelchairs may violate fair housing standards. The Fair Housing Act requires that such public features be built in such a way as to consider the ability for all individuals to be able to access them.
References
Writer Bio
A freelance writer since 2007, Jack Spencer focuses primarily on legal and scientific topics. He also runs a copyrighting firm specializing in small-business marketing and academic research. Spencer received his B.A. in political science from the University of California.