Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
stolen mail
I recieved a notice from the post
office stating they had left a package
with my manager the 24th of last
month. My manager denied having it
until yesterday. According to the UPS
he's had it since the 24th of last
month, and now he says it came ten
days ago. Is it legal for him to
surreptitiously hold my mail and lie
about it?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: stolen mail
It is a Federal crime to interfere with the mail service, but UPS is not part of the US Postal Service. Which entity was it that delievered the item?
The manager has admitted holding the package for 16 days. What explanation did he give? If he had no intent to keep the property forever it would be a lesser crime. Contact the owner of the building to see if the manager can be removed.
Re: stolen mail
No, of course not. You can complain to the Post Office and have them investigate. You would also be able to sue manager in small claims court, but you must show the failure to give you the package caused some sort of damages, other than emotional distress.