Previous house owner still using my address!

jaybeetoo

The Postal Services Act 2000 clearly states that it is illegal to open someone's post, or delay it reaching the owner.

The Act says: "A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person's detriment and without reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet which he knows or reasonably suspects has been incorrectly delivered to him."

Although throwing it away may not be the same as peeking, most people (and more importantly, lawyers) could argue that binning the mail "delays" the post indefinitely, which is a crime.

Marvel1

Not sure what hassle you receiving about the parking fine as not in your name.

I would just add the letters unopened to the paper recycling box, same as the junk mail.

I started having them from provident loan in the name of someone who I have no clue last year.   After sending 2 back unopened and said not known since 2007, I started opening it to have a nose  and adding to the paper recycling box, the debt was sold on as another company was sending a letter.

davidmcn

jaybeetoo said:

The Postal Services Act 2000 clearly states that it is illegal to open someone's post, or delay it reaching the owner.

The Act says: "A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person's detriment and without reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet which he knows or reasonably suspects has been incorrectly delivered to him."

Although throwing it away may not be the same as peeking, most people (and more importantly, lawyers) could argue that binning the mail "delays" the post indefinitely, which is a crime.

But we're not talking about mail which has been incorrectly delivered (as defined in the Act). It's been correctly delivered, to the address stated on the envelope. That's where the postie is meant to deliver it. Incorrectly delivered would be something e.g. for the neighbours. The Act doesn't concern itself with what happens after an item has hit the correct doormat.

Slithery

jaybeetoo said:

The Postal Services Act 2000 clearly states that it is illegal to open someone's post, or delay it reaching the owner.

No, it doesn't.

jaybeetoo said:

The Act says: "A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person's detriment and without reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet which he knows or reasonably suspects has been incorrectly delivered to him."

It hasn't been incorrectly delivered, it's gone to the correct address as written on the envelope.

MovingForwards

I'm getting loads through for names I've not even heard of in my place, loads of debt collection letters. Best thing was a card reader came through, so was obviously requested. Everything just goes back in the post, box when passing, with "not known at this address, return to sender" even the ones without a return address as there's a code on franked mail to show which account 'stamped' it.

A bin full was actually left in the recycling bin when I moved in.

I will keep doing it for a few more months, but I've the sellers solicitors details to hand in case of an official visit down the line.

Grumpy_chap

Just write "not known at this address" on everything and put in the nearest post box.  That will work to reduce the volume of future mail.

You need to be careful in case the bailiffs come knocking for the old tenant.

Unicorn_cottage

MovingForwards said:

I'm getting loads through for names I've not even heard of in my place, loads of debt collection letters. Best thing was a card reader came through, so was obviously requested. Everything just goes back in the post, box when passing, with "not known at this address, return to sender" even the ones without a return address as there's a code on franked mail to show which account 'stamped' it.

A bin full was actually left in the recycling bin when I moved in.

I will keep doing it for a few more months, but I've the sellers solicitors details to hand in case of an official visit down the line.

@MovingForwards - it really makes you think about the state of this country and the debt being carried in my opinion.

Unicorn_cottage

Grumpy_chap said:

Just write "not known at this address" on everything and put in the nearest post box.  That will work to reduce the volume of future mail.

You need to be careful in case the bailiffs come knocking for the old tenant.

Is this a myth though I wonder? I wonder if I can find out?

davidmcn

Unicorn_cottage said:

Grumpy_chap said:

Just write "not known at this address" on everything and put in the nearest post box.  That will work to reduce the volume of future mail.

You need to be careful in case the bailiffs come knocking for the old tenant.

Is this a myth though I wonder?

Which bit?

hazyjo

Grumpy_chap said:

You need to be careful in case the bailiffs come knocking for the old tenant.

Why? Just show them ID/proof you live there.

They can't break in.