I got mail addressed to the previous resident—what should I do?

Receiving Mail Meant for a Previous Resident

If you receive mail addressed to someone who used to live at your address, it might be because their mail forwarding has expired and their new address hasn't been updated with all the necessary parties. This situation can feel annoying and cause extra hassle. It's important to handle it carefully to make sure the previous resident doesn’t end up facing consequences like a payment default unnecessarily.

When you get mail meant for someone else (like a former tenant), you can mark the envelope with an X and write “Delivered to wrong address” or “Does not live here.” Then, return the mail to the nearest Posti mailbox—Posti will forward it accordingly. Remember, you must not open or destroy mail addressed to another person.

 What if the mail keeps coming?

You can contact the sender if it’s a company or organization. Alternatively, reach out to Posti’s customer service.

 How do I file a change-of-address notification?

To ensure your mail is directed to the correct address, it’s a good idea to file a change-of-address notification when you move. You can do this electronically via Posti’s change-of-address service and the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. This way, the new address is automatically updated with most businesses and organizations.

You must file a notification anytime your permanent residence changes. Even for a temporary move lasting at least three months, a notification is required.

Posti offers a free service to forward mail from your old address to your new one for one month. You can also purchase an extended mail forwarding service if needed.

 Even after submitting your notification…

It’s wise to keep an eye on important mail, like bills. If a bill doesn’t arrive, check with the sender to make sure they’ve updated their systems. Switching to e-invoices is a smart move—it ensures your mail arrives reliably. Don’t forget to inform friends and family about your new address too, since they aren’t notified automatically.

 Neighborly tip: Beat package congestion

During the holiday season, sending and receiving packages becomes much more common. Many YH Homes housing companies have nearby PostNord parcel lockers you can take advantage of. These save you the trouble of traveling far or standing in long lines during peak season. Most of them are located outdoors, so you can drop off or pick up packages whenever it suits you best.