Hello,
I have a fourplex that is zoned single-family in Toronto. Therefore, because it is zoned single-family, only two suites are allowed (one main suite + one accessory suite), but four units are not. Since it used to be a single-family before it was renovated, there was (and still is) only one mailbox on the front of the brick house. Each unit has their own entrance, and there is no other place to put the mailbox except on the front of the house.
Anyway, after several years of ownerships, I'm having an issue with mail. Tenants grab their own mail from the common mailbox, and that has been fine. But the problem is upon tenant turnover. As we all know, tenants don't always change their address for all pieces of mail (especially for non-important mail), so lots of junk mail from old tenants still comes to this property. It is now beginning to pile up, since the current tenants only grab their own mail, and leave the rest (which is natural). When I used to live in one of the units, it was fine, because I used to filter thru the junk mail (since I knew all the current tenants' names). But since I have moved out, the problem is building up.
I'm wondering what the best solution is:
1) Install four mailboxes. This is a dead giveaway that there are four apartments, and raises red flags to any passerby (and to the city). I'm concerned that I'm exposing myself to unnecessary liability. I would like to continue to fly under the radar.
2) Is there a wall mailbox that looks like one mailbox from afar (so as to not raise suspicion), but has different "slots"? Maybe something like a wall magazine rack, but with individual slots?
3) Stick with one mailbox. How do I improve this situation?
4) Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Matthew
I have a fourplex that is zoned single-family in Toronto. Therefore, because it is zoned single-family, only two suites are allowed (one main suite + one accessory suite), but four units are not. Since it used to be a single-family before it was renovated, there was (and still is) only one mailbox on the front of the brick house. Each unit has their own entrance, and there is no other place to put the mailbox except on the front of the house.
Anyway, after several years of ownerships, I'm having an issue with mail. Tenants grab their own mail from the common mailbox, and that has been fine. But the problem is upon tenant turnover. As we all know, tenants don't always change their address for all pieces of mail (especially for non-important mail), so lots of junk mail from old tenants still comes to this property. It is now beginning to pile up, since the current tenants only grab their own mail, and leave the rest (which is natural). When I used to live in one of the units, it was fine, because I used to filter thru the junk mail (since I knew all the current tenants' names). But since I have moved out, the problem is building up.
I'm wondering what the best solution is:
1) Install four mailboxes. This is a dead giveaway that there are four apartments, and raises red flags to any passerby (and to the city). I'm concerned that I'm exposing myself to unnecessary liability. I would like to continue to fly under the radar.
2) Is there a wall mailbox that looks like one mailbox from afar (so as to not raise suspicion), but has different "slots"? Maybe something like a wall magazine rack, but with individual slots?
3) Stick with one mailbox. How do I improve this situation?
4) Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Matthew
