Residents Angered Over Lack Of Mailbox Repair In Houston HOA

A group of homeowners in a Copperfield community is feeling frustrated over getting the back-and-forth when it comes to mailbox repair. Neither the United States Postal Service (USPS) nor their homeowners association claims responsibility for the mailboxes.

The Cause of the Damage

Last week, a driver drove into the cluster mailbox unit in Southcreek Village. Resident Rita Hoffman shares the mailbox with 10 other homeowners. According to Hoffman, the driver not only damaged the mailbox but also took out the tree that stood in front of it.

To get their mail, Hoffman and her neighbors have had to drive to the Bear Creek post office branch. The branch is about 10 minutes away. Hoffman secured a copy of the postal service’s contract with the subdivision. And, according to the contract, the post office is only responsible for the locks and keys inside the device.

The postal service reportedly won’t let homeowners in the subdivision install individual mailboxes in their yards.

USPS vs HOA: Who’s Responsible for Mailbox Repair?

Southcreek Village representative Judith Carey says USPS is responsible for replacing the cluster box unit. But, Hoffman believes that the HOA is responsible since it is in a common area.

According to Carey, the post office originally installed the cluster box unit and has been repairing or replacing it for the past 30 years or so. But, the post office says it is not liable for the box, explaining that the HOA or the residents can buy a unit from an approved manufacturer.

While Hoffman maintains that the HOA is responsible, Carey says nothing in the association’s governing documents points to this. She further explains that replacing the unit would cost the association about $1,500.

Hoffman does not want to pay for the new mailbox. But, even if it comes to that, she will continue to fight the HOA on the issue.