When you evict your tenant, you need to change your mailbox keys with Canada Post. You also need to know how to manage any incoming mail under your tenant's name going forward.

A LOT goes into preparing for eviction day. Read my Getting Ready for Eviction Day Template. You may realize you’ve missed some important preparations you have to make. Watch 10 mini-videos where I narrate key moments of my own eviction day experience.

Today, I will cover your bases on all things related to tenant mail, as far as I know and have experienced. Watch below and read on.

When the Sheriff came to evict my tenants, I went straight to the post office to change my mailbox keys.Tenants didn’t return the keys back to me. And I didn't know if they had copies of it. They could have also changed the mailbox locks. Having been underprepared before, there is no such thing as being overprepared to get your house back.
-Weiting Bollu, Co-Founder, Openroom.

One of the things I did after the eviction was change the mailbox keys. When tenants leave, they may not return keys, or they might have made copies without your knowledge. The last thing you want is a former tenant having access to your mail.

Changing your mailbox keys

Before you read on further, note that this is for those among us with community mailboxes. If you have your own mailbox, you would likely have your own key and can have that replaced on your own. Keys for community mailbox keys managed by Canada Post.

How to change your mailbox keys

The process for changing your mailbox keys is simple. At the time I am writing this article, the cost for changing the keys is $29 plus taxes. 

You can change your keys in person or online. If you’re the property owner, you can head over to Canada Post and apply for a key change. 

You can also start the process online by heading to Canada Post's help page for changing your keys.  Create an account or sign in if you already have an account with Canada Post. Then, open a support ticket to request a new set of keys. You can pick it up at the specified Canada Post office and pay the fees in person. 

There, you’re good to go!

Dealing with former tenant’s mail

Can you throw away mail for former renters?

No, landlords must refrain from doing this. Discarding or destroying mail that isn’t addressed to you is tantamount to a federal offense, even if the mail may be referred to as junk mail. Throwing away the mail of previous occupants is against the law.

The legal side: Canada Post Act

Section 48 of the Canada Post Act states that it is illegal to open, keep, or destroy mail that isn’t yours. 

48 Every person commits an offence who, except where expressly authorized by or under this Act, the Customs Act or the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, knowingly opens, keeps, secretes, delays or detains, or permits to be opened, kept, secreted, delayed or detained, any mail bag or mail or any receptacle or device authorized by the Corporation for the posting of mail.

In other words, it’s a crime to tamper with mail unless you are legally authorized to do so, either by Canada Post or specific laws like customs regulations. Even if the tenants are no longer there, their mail is not yours to open or discard.

How to handle a former tenant's mail

Landlords are not obliged to keep the mail of former renters indefinitely even if it’s illegal to discard or destroy it.

There are several lawful ways to deal with mail that belongs to your former tenants:

1. Marking the mail as “return to sender”

For regular mail, simply write “Return to Sender” or “No Longer at This Address” on the envelope and place it back in the mailbox. Mail with a barcode can also be marked and returned for processing.

2. Leaving a note for the mail carrier

Sometimes, leaving a sticky note on or inside the mailbox can be effective. You can write something like “[Former Tenant’s] Name no longer resides here. Please deliver mail only to [Your Name].” This can help redirect future mail more quickly.

3. Speaking with the mail carrier

If you continue receiving mail for the former tenant, a friendly conversation with your mail carrier can help. Let them know that the previous tenant has moved out, and they may be able to stop delivering it.

4. Opening a support ticket

If the issue persists and you are still getting mail for a previous tenant, consider opening a support ticket with Canada Post to report mail being delivered to the wrong address.

Concluding thoughts

Eviction day can be overwhelming, and handling things like mailbox keys and former tenants' mail can add extra stress. Taking the necessary steps to prepare, like knowing the legalities around mail, will make the process smoother and less stressful.It’s my hope that this will help you navigate your own eviction journey with ease.

For more detailed guidance, be sure to check out the following:

Did you know that unpaid water bills by your tenant will end up on your tax roll with late fees and interest? Read Ontario Utility Payments: Unpaid Tenant Bills and Property Tax to learn more.
The 72 hours after your tenants are evicted is a crucial time. Read Ontario Evictions: The Sheriff's Role, the 72-Hour Rule, and Protecting Your Property to learn more.

Do you want to know if your tenant had previous LTB orders? Use our free court order search on Openroom.

Do you have court orders against your tenant? Upload your court order with Openroom to ensure other landlords can make an informed decision.