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
Jun 18, 2026
Fed Drops Easing Bias, Clouding Near-Term Outlook for Housing MarketDespite a change in leadership, the Federal Reserve decided not to change interest rates at the June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting Wednesday. It was the fourth consecutive meeting in which the short-term federal funds rate stayed the same at a top rate of 3.75%.
Jun 17, 2026
Apply Now To Become the Next National Associate ChairA National Associate Chair's role is is to bring Associate initiatives, questions and concerns to the other Builder NACs and the senior officers of NAHB for collaboration.
Latest Economic News
Jun 18, 2026
Gains for Household Real Estate AssetsThe market value of households’ real estate assets rose to a new high in the first quarter reaching $48.7 trillion, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. This level is 1.7% higher than in the fourth quarter and is 2.6% higher than a year ago.
Jun 17, 2026
A Laconic Statement: Hawkish Hold and New Plans from the FedWith a new Fed Chair and plans for evolving operating strategies, the Federal Reserve maintained its target policy rate at the conclusion of the June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. For the fourth consecutive meeting, the FOMC maintained the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%.
Jun 16, 2026
Housing Starts Weaken in May as Multifamily Construction SlowsHousing starts fell sharply in May, driven by a steep drop in multifamily construction. Meanwhile, single-family buildings also slipped amid high interest rates, rising construction costs and ongoing labor shortages.