NAHB Expresses Concerns Over Cluster Mailboxes
In a letter to members of the House Financial Services Committee, NAHB expressed concerns to federal lawmakers over increased costs and undue burdens to America's home builders and home owners regarding the use of cluster mailboxes by the U.S. Postal Service.
The letter was sent as the committee held a hearing to examine the fiscal health of the U.S. Postal Service. Since 2012, the Postal Service has expressed preference for centralized delivery service, typically to cluster mailbox units. In practice though, this change has resulted in a de facto mandate for new construction across the nation.
In its letter to lawmakers, NAHB noted that if home owners are members of a home owners association (HOA), "they will end up paying significantly for the upkeep and maintenance over the life of the cluster box unit. If they are not a member of an HOA, it is unclear who (if anyone) will be responsible for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the unit or any associated legal liabilities, especially if the unit is placed on private property."
By moving to cluster mailboxes in an attempt to save money, the Postal Service is essentially shifting this additional upfront cost to home builders — and ultimately — to home owners. NAHB stands ready to work with Congress to move legislation to improve the outlook of the Postal Service but believes it is important for lawmakers to hold hearings examining the costs and benefits associated with a shift to centralized mail delivery.
For more information, contact Alex Strong at 800-368-5242 x8279.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy | Multifamily
Nov 06, 2026
Treasury Announces New Opportunity Zone Designations
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have announced new Opportunity Zone designations for more than 6,500 communities nationwide, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
Nov 05, 2026
The Value of Being One of NAHB's Top Recruiters
Member-to-member recruitment is essential for growing NAHB’s membership. Here are the perks members are being rewarded with for their efforts.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 06, 2026
Hiring Rebounds in October, but Residential Construction Employment Declines
The U.S. labor market rebounded in October, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 165,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declining to 4.1%. However, the improvement in overall employment contrasts with continued weakness in residential construction, where employment fell by 16,400 jobs, the largest monthly decline since March 2021.
Economics
Nov 05, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Weakens in Third Quarter
New multifamily housing confidence weakened year-over-year in the third quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 41, down five points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, also down five points year-over-year.
Economics
Nov 04, 2026
Mortgage Applications Decline as Higher Rates Boost ARM Share
Mortgage application activity declined in October as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply again. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, fell 14.1% month-over-month in October on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were 39.8% lower.