Maryland Tenant Mail Privacy: Know Your Rights

As a renter in Maryland, the privacy of your mail is a fundamental right protected under both federal and state law. Concerns about who can access your mail—especially landlords or property managers—are not uncommon. This article explains your rights, what landlords are permitted to do, and the steps you can take if you suspect your mail privacy is being violated in Maryland.

Understanding Mail Privacy Rights for Maryland Renters

Mail sent to your rental address belongs to you—even if your landlord owns the property. The right to receive private, unopened mail is protected by the U.S. Postal Service laws and reinforced by Maryland’s landlord-tenant statutes. Only authorized recipients or legal representatives may access your mail.

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Landlords cannot open, withhold, or destroy your personal mail or packages.
• They must not redirect or forward your mail without your express permission.
• It's illegal to use keys or entry rights to take mail from inside your unit.

Violating mail privacy is a federal offense and can carry criminal penalties.

When Can a Landlord Legally Handle Mail?

• If you have given written consent for the landlord to collect or forward your mail.
• Unclaimed mail from a tenant who has permanently moved out—provided the proper procedures for abandoned property are followed (see Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.4).
• If mail is incorrectly delivered to a vacant unit, it can be returned to the post office by the landlord, unopened.

Landlords cannot use their right of entry under Maryland law (Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203) to access tenants' mail or locked mailboxes.

What To Do If Your Mail Privacy Has Been Violated

If you suspect your mail has been tampered with by your landlord or anyone else, take action immediately. Delays may make it harder to prove your case, so act quickly and follow the appropriate process.

• Document each incident – Keep a log with specific dates, times, and details about the mail or package.
• Contact the local postmaster – File a report with your local post office using the USPS Mail Theft Complaint Form if theft or tampering is suspected.
• Communicate with your landlord in writing – Express your concerns and request they cease all interference with your mail.
• File a formal complaint with Maryland's Office of the Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division) if the problem persists. Use the Consumer Complaint Form.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• USPS Mail Theft Complaint Form
  Use when you suspect your mail has been taken or tampered with. Complete the form online at the official USPS site. This triggers a federal investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• Maryland Consumer Complaint Form
  If your landlord repeatedly interferes with your mail, file this form with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Access the downloadable form here. Attach your documentation, including communication records with your landlord.

File forms promptly. The relevant authorities can investigate and direct further steps, up to and including legal penalties for those found to be in violation.

Which Agency Handles Tenant Disputes?

If mail privacy conflicts arise as part of a broader landlord-tenant dispute, renters may present issues to the Maryland District Court – Landlord Tenant Division, Maryland’s official tribunal for residential tenancies. This is where most rental disagreements are resolved, including those that impact tenant privacy rights.

FAQ: Maryland Tenant Mail Privacy Rights

1. Can my landlord open mail addressed to me?
   No. Under federal law, only the intended recipient or a legally authorized person can open personal mail.
2. What if my landlord tells me to change my mailing address when I move out?
   You should submit a USPS Change of Address form yourself. Landlords cannot redirect your mail without consent.
3. Is it legal for my landlord to keep packages for me?
   Only if you have provided written permission, such as when you’re away and request this as a favor.
4. How do I report repeated mail privacy violations?
   File a USPS mail theft complaint and a Maryland Consumer Complaint.
5. Where can I find Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws?
   Refer to Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 online.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

• Renters in Maryland have strong legal protections for their mail privacy under both state and federal law.
• Landlords cannot open, withhold, or destroy tenant mail—doing so is a criminal offense.
• If your rights are violated, you can report the issue to USPS and Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division, and seek recourse through the District Court if needed.

Staying informed and documenting every incident is your best protection. Most mail privacy issues can be resolved with prompt, clear action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court – Landlord Tenant Division: Handle disputes and access self-help forms.
• Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: File mail privacy or landlord complaints.
• USPS Mail Theft/Privacy Complaints: Report suspected tampering or theft of mail.
• Maryland Real Property Code Title 8: Official tenancy legislation.

---

1. Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Federal Law 18 U.S. Code § 1702 – Obstruction of Correspondence
3. Maryland District Court – Landlord Tenant Division
4. United States Postal Inspection Service – Report Mail Theft
5. Maryland Attorney General – File a Consumer Complaint

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations