For USPS-owned cluster box units, carriers will not deliver to tenant compartments with unsecured or damaged locks until the lock or receptacle is repaired or replaced; restoring a working tenant lock is the quickest way to resume service.

Depending on whether you'd prefer a PIN code or key entry, there are mechanical and electromechanical & weatherproof options. While not ideal, ANSI/BHMA grade 3 locks are possibly the most common option homeowners install.

Guardian Safe & Lock recommends ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 mechanical or electromechanical PIN code lever locks & deadbolts. Some situations may even require marine-grade locksets. Our residential locksmith & security technicians will advise the best replacement options for your specific site and situation.

We specify corrosion-resistant materials (stainless fasteners, plated or marine-grade finishes) and locks from manufacturers that publish exterior temperature and finish guidance.

We also recommend scheduled maintenance and periodic lubrication to prolong life in corrosive environments.

Short answer: It depends on who owns the mailbox. Responsibility for repair and replacement shifts between the postal service, the property owner/manager (or HOA/landlord), and individual homeowners, depending on ownership and location.

• USPS-owned cluster box units (CBUs) and carrier/master hardware.
  If the cluster box unit is owned and maintained by the postal service, the United States Postal Service provides the compartment locks and customer keys and maintains carrier/master lock components. Customers with questions about a postal-owned unit should contact their local post office to report damage or request service.

• Property-owned/privately owned CBUs and mailboxes.
  When the mailbox or CBU was purchased/installed by a developer, HOA, landlord, or property owner, that owner is responsible for purchase, installation, maintenance, and repairs. In multi-unit properties, the property manager or HOA typically arranges repairs and coordinates any work that could affect carrier access. The Postal Service’s guidance and developer documentation make this ownership distinction clear.

• Individual homeowner mailboxes (post-mounted or wall-mounted).
  For privately owned residential mailboxes, the homeowner is responsible for lock replacement, cylinder repair, and maintaining the box (unless the contract or community rules say otherwise). If the mailbox is damaged and it is not USPS property, contact the property owner/manager or a qualified locksmith.

• If the damage was caused by postal operations.
  If a carrier or postal vehicle caused the damage to a USPS-owned unit, the local post office is the starting point for reporting and remediation; they will advise on repairs or replacement for USPS-owned equipment. For privately owned units damaged by postal operations, the property owner should coordinate with the local post office and their own vendor/insurer as appropriate.

At Guardian Safe & Lock LLC, we treat pool-adjacent and pedestrian gates as safety devices subject to building and pool-barrier codes. Typical, enforceable requirements include automatic self-closing and self-latching mechanisms, gate swing away from the pool, latches positioned or shielded to prevent child access, minimum barrier heights and non-climbable construction, and the use of weather-rated hardware for any electrified devices.

Because local ordinances vary, we perform a site assessment to confirm applicable code, specify compliant hardware (self-closing hinges, pool-side latches at code height, sealed electromechanical units where needed), and provide documented installation that meets safety and HOA/permit expectations.

Choosing the right gate lock depends on the gate’s material, construction, alignment, weather exposure, and security requirements. Wood gates require heavy-duty keyed latches or surface-mounted deadbolts that accommodate natural expansion, contraction, and potential sagging. Vinyl gates often need gate-specific latch systems designed for reinforced inserts to ensure secure mounting. Metal gates (steel, aluminum, wrought iron) allow for more robust solutions such as frame-mounted deadbolts, weld-in lock boxes, or, when appropriate, weather-rated electromechanical hardware. In every case, proper alignment and structural integrity are critical to long-term performance.

At Guardian Safe & Lock, we perform an on-site assessment before recommending hardware, evaluating hinge condition, clearance tolerances, usage level, and environmental exposure—particularly important in Houston’s humid climate. We prioritize exterior-rated, corrosion-resistant hardware that meets appropriate ANSI/BHMA performance standards to ensure durability, smooth operation, and reliable security.