forwarding mail to another address

pksaraf

I have just moved into a new flat and saw that the previous tenants have left a forwarding address. I am received some post addressed to them and I dont mind forwarding, but I am not clear whether I can actually just cross their old address write new one and post. I am also not sure whether I will have to put a new stamp on the envelope when posting. I dont have previous tenant's phone number so cant ask them what they want me to do, so am looking for advise.

Has anyone come across this situation before?

Greatgimp

Just cross the address out, write the new address on it and shove it in the post box. If the post office 'fine' them it's hardly your fault, and they'll soon get the message!

briona

pksaraf wrote: »

I have just moved into a new flat and saw that the previous tenants have left a forwarding address. I am received some post addressed to them and I dont mind forwarding, but I am not clear whether I can actually just cross their old address write new one and post. I am also not sure whether I will have to put a new stamp on the envelope when posting. I dont have previous tenant's phone number so cant ask them what they want me to do, so am looking for advise.

Has anyone come across this situation before?

Just cross out the old address and write "please redirect to: [new address]". It's what I've always done, and when I moved house myself, my former housemates did the same for me.

EDIT: Greatgimp beat me to it!

Greatgimp

If you're really concerned, the Post Offioce fine is about £1 but the important thing is that the postman cannot take money, so he/she will leave a card at the new address saying that there is mail to collect from the sorting office.

The previous tennants/homeowners will soon get dogged off schlepping off to the sorting office to pick up a Homebase circular!

pksaraf

thanks for the quick responses! thats what i will do.

Clive_Woody

You could send them a card suggesting they set up a redirection service with Royal Mail.

tootiefrooties

They shouldn't have to pay to receive it, just cross through the address and write the correct one next to it.

I'm sure they will really appreciate you forwarding it - we moved in may, and set up 12 months royal mail redirection but some stuff still 'slips through' and the new tenants are ever so good about sending stuff on... even a massive great parcel ended up going there, and they put our address on and it got here without us or them paying any extra.

Also, if you get any letters for previous tenants for which you don't have a forwarding address, always write "not known at this address" and put in the post box so that it can be returned to sender. we were inundated with final demands, letters from court etc. for previous tenants, and at least it lets the company know not to continue pursuing it at your address. Again, this is free.

HTH!

LittleVoice

If you weren't expected to pay to receive the item - that is, the postage paid was correct - then the recipients at their new address would not need to pay either.

Though you should cross out what is now your address, it should still be possible for the PO to see what it was - that is, don't use thick black pens to obliterate the address, simply very clearly cross it through.

collingwood21

When I moved house I set up a Royal Mail redirection service - it is much more secure than leaving your post in the hands of strangers, and more polite than expecting the next tenants to go to this effort for you. So I wouldn't feel at all guilty if the old tenants get charged by Royal Mail for having their mail redirected by you!

custardy

i dont know where people get the idea that forwarding mail shouldnt be paid/charged
postage works one way on one journey
RM are a little too lax on this IMO although expect this to be ramped up soon
then i can have more tantrums over charges :rolleyes:

anytime you get a failure on a paid redirection then i would always say get on the phone to the redirecting delivery office(thats the one covering where you used to live)

brocklesby

Hi this is related to the previous posts. I've been returning mail from the previous occupiers of my house as I dont have a forwarding address. How long is reasonable before i just stick it in the recycling with all the other junk mail?