Postal Standards
Apartment Building Mailboxes: Owner Obligations
In an apartment building, the property owner must install, at their own expense, an easily accessible bank of mailboxes, with one box per dwelling. Each box must have a letter compartment and a parcel compartment, and be labeled with the occupant's name. This is mandated by Article 73 of the Postal Ordinance.
What Article 73 OPO Requires
The rule is simple to state but often poorly observed in older buildings: each delivery address must have its own compliant mailbox, and it is the owner's responsibility to ensure its installation.
Beyond the composition of the mailboxes, the bank must be physically accessible – first to the postman, but also to all tenants. For residential buildings, SIA 500 standards (barrier-free construction) specify heights:
- — One box per dwelling: Each delivery address = one compliant and labeled box. Mailboxes shared between households are non-compliant.
- — Two compartments per box: Each box includes a letter compartment AND a parcel compartment ("milk box").
- — Free access from the street: The mailbox bank can be in the entrance area, but never behind a locked door that would block the postman.
- — Owner's responsibility: Installation, replacement, and compliance are the responsibility of the property owner, at their expense, not the tenant or Swiss Post.
Accessibility of the Mailbox Bank
A mailbox bank placed too high or recessed in a niche that is too deep may be rejected during a construction inspection. Full details are available on the EN 13724 & SIA 500 page.
- — Criterion: Top edge of the lowest row
- — Requirement: ≤ 1.10 m from the ground
- — Criterion: Maneuvering space in front of the bank
- — Requirement: ≥ 1.40 m
- — Criterion: Niche depth
- — Requirement: ≤ 0.25 m
A Challenge for Property Management Companies
Older buildings often accumulate several non-compliances: missing parcel compartments, non-standard dimensions, corroded mailbox banks, or those placed behind a locked door, and non-compliance with SIA 500 heights. For a property management company overseeing dozens of buildings, the risk is real: a warning from Swiss Post for just one address can lead to a dissatisfied owner and an urgent intervention.
Free Postnorm Compliance Audit
We review your property portfolio building by building, checking for two compartments, one box per dwelling, street access, general condition, and location (Art. 74). We then provide a clear report: compliant / needs correction / needs replacement, along with a budget estimate. No obligation. Details on the property management page.
Bring Your Building Up to Standard
Custom mailbox banks, one box per dwelling, installed by our teams. Compliance guaranteed in writing, free quote within 48 hours. Sliding scale pricing for property portfolios.
FAQ
How many mailboxes are required in an apartment building?
One per delivery address: one dwelling or commercial space = one compliant and labeled mailbox. A 12-unit building must therefore have at least 12 mailboxes, plus any commercial premises.
Who pays for the installation in a rental building?
The property owner, at their own expense (OPO Art. 73). The tenant cannot be forced to finance their mailbox, and Swiss Post does not cover installation costs.
Is an old mailbox bank without a parcel compartment tolerated?
It is non-compliant. The 'acquired rights' principle may sometimes apply, but as soon as the mailbox bank is replaced or renovated, the installation must comply with current standards, including a parcel compartment.
What are the risks for a co-ownership whose mailboxes are not compliant?
Swiss Post can, after a warning, suspend home delivery for the entire building (OPO Art. 31 para. 2 lit. c). In practice: no more mail delivered to any tenants until compliance is achieved.
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