How to Replace an Apartment or Condo Mailbox Lock

Mailboxes at an apartment complex.

For one reason or another, you need to replace an apartment or condo mailbox lock. Maybe you lost the key or you bought a bank-owned condo and they didn't have a key to give you. Or the old mailbox lock may be damaged and the key you have won't work.

When the rows and rows of mailboxes belong to the apartment complex owner or to the condo association (and not the U.S. Post Office), it is often the responsibility of the occupant to deal with the problems of a missing key or replacing a mailbox lock.

Things You'll Need

• Mailbox that cannot be opened
• New mailbox lock, about $8
• Tools, such as hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Get to the back of the mailbox. The easiest way to get into the mailbox from behind is to wait for the postal carrier (mailman) to show up. He or she will open the row of mailboxes with a master key to distribute the mail in "from behind."

   Explain to the mailman your problem. Be prepared to show proof that you are indeed the rightful occupant of the mailbox by showing proof of residency using an apartment lease or title paperwork if you purchased the condo.

2. Remove the old lock. When you have access to the inside of the mailbox, use a pair of pliers to pull the small U-shaped piece of metal out that secures the lock in place. With this piece of metal removed, you can remove the lock itself by slipping the lock through the front of the mailbox lock opening.

3. 

   Buy a new mailbox lock. New mailbox locks can be bought at a home repair store. Mailbox locks cost around $8.

   If you do not have a new mailbox lock with you, tape the door closed at the top and bottom and leave the lock out. Take it with you to buy a new mailbox lock.

4. Install the new lock. If you have a new mailbox lock with you, install the new lock in the reverse order of how you removed the old lock--push it from the front into the back of the mailbox.

   At this time, before you close the door, ensure the keys, usually 2, that come with the lock indeed work and will open the new lock.

   Tighten the new lock in place by replacing the U-shaped piece of metal. A new one should come with the new mailbox lock but keep all of the old parts just in case you need to use any of them. Tighten the nut on the lock to ensure a tight fit.

5. 

   Close the door of the mailbox and try opening the mailbox door with the key. You should be done replacing your apartment or condo mailbox lock.

Tips & Warnings

• Try the keys to the new lock in the old/existing lock. If the mailbox key works, use the new key in the old/existing lock. You won't have to replace the lock. Chances are good that the new key WON'T work, but it only takes a minute so give that a try first.

• Get help if you aren't the handiest person. Someone used to "fixing" things can replace this mailbox lock easily and quickly.

• As a last resort, take your old mailbox lock to a locksmith to get a new key made or have a locksmith come install a new lock. This is expensive though so try to do it yourself first.