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
Sustainability and Green Building
Aug 28, 2026
NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option
As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
Aug 27, 2026
Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1
Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%
The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size
New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.