Accessing postbox

LittleMrsThrifty

I moved into a new flat over 2 weeks ago and the previous tenant has still not returned her keys so I have no access to my postbox. The landlord wants to give her until Wednesday before looking into changing the lock but I have ordered some train tickets (back when I didn't realize this would be an issue) which I need for early Friday morning.

So, although it is a very odd request I was wondering if there is anything I can do to get the mail out of the box. I can't reach down and my kitchen tongs aren't bendy enough.

macman

Catch the postie on his way in, or break the lock. You've already waited 2 weeks, which is quite long enough.

LittleMrsThrifty

I don't think the postie has a key unfortunately, otherwise that would have been a great idea, thank you. I believe the postman puts it in the box then you need a key to get it out.

I regret to say that a friend and I tried to pick/break the lock yesterday - unsuccessfully. I was more thinking about an implement I could use to get the letters out the way they came in (ie through the slot).

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a key after all this time. It worries me that the landlord's attitude is the sign of things to come.

macman

No, on his way in-before he drops the tickets in the box-as long as you can prove your identity/address.
These locks are usually very flimsy and won't need much work to open.

keystone

Use one of these universal mailbox keys:



Cheers

Frogletina

It took me weeks to get a key to my post box from the original owner, however a neighbour in my block of flats told me afterwards that a local locksmith came and took an impression of her lock when she moved in and was able to make a key to open it

LittleMrsThrifty

Thanks for everyone's advice. I'm going to give the landlord until Wednesday to get it sorted (which will be almost 3 weeks since I moved in so plenty of time I think) and then I'll be accessing it some other way...

Mankysteve

I would speak to a lock smith before doing anything drastic other wise a large bill could be coming you way. Best to drill out the cylinder and replace.

keystone

Mankysteve wrote: »

I would speak to a lock smith before doing anything drastic other wise a large bill could be coming you way. Best to drill out the cylinder and replace.

I was sort of joking you know.

Cheers

diable

keystone wrote: »

I was sort of joking you know.

Cheers

Maybe the sense of humour is locked in the post box...........

LittleMrsThrifty

The good news is that I managed to retrieve the train tickets using a kebab skewer, along with two New Home cards. I'm going to speak to the landlord again today about getting the lock changed as it's taking the p now.