Help Please!

[mellymoo3]

Hi,

I used to live in a flat to which the letterbox was kind of cummunial/could be opened by anyone. My ex-landlord is now claiming that I owe him rent arrears, and has said that he is withholding my post and has passed this on to his Solicitors (of which he wont tell me the name) and has said they have told him they do not have to release it until the arrears are paid.

Is this true? Can a landlord/Solicitors withhold a persons post/mail??

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as I have been expecting some important mail recently and I know he has it.

Thank you,

Moo

[wino]

I thought nobody could touch anyone elses mail. It is private. I'm sure your ex-landlord cannot do this. Someone in the know should hopefully be along soon to offer some proper advice.

[Joa]

Interference with mail - Postal Services Act 2000 Sectionss 83 and 84

The Postal Services Act 2000 sections 83 and 84, create offences of interfering with mail. Section 83 is aimed at persons engaged in the business of a postal operator and creates an either way offence. Section 84 covers anybody and creates a summary imprisonable offence. Both sections cover intentional delaying or opening of a postal packet and intentional opening of a mail bag.
Postal Services Act 2000 (c. 26)

I suggest that you write to your landlord that he has no right to keep mail addressed to you and cite the above information. Remind him that there are other, legal ways, of pursuing you for the alleged rent arrears. Give him a fortnight to reply. Be very consistent with that deadline and report back with an update and for further advice.
Your letter does not have to be legal-sounding or convoluted, just use plain language and you will be absolutely fine.

[Goldlady]

Get a mail divert from Royal Mail if you can afford it. :o