Many people send letters and packages to residents in single-family homes, but they do not always know how to address a piece of mail to someone who lives in a condo or co-op. While single-family homes typically have mailboxes, porches, and doorsteps to receive mail, multi-family properties receive packages differently. This article will explain how to address a piece of mail to someone in a multi-family living situation.
How To Address An Envelope To An Apartment
Even though the apartment address format is similar to that of a single-family home, there is one significant difference. When addressing a piece of mail to an apartment, the sender must include the recipient’s apartment number. Here is a complete breakdown of how to write an apartment address.
First Line
Similar to addressing an envelope to a single-family home, the first line should be the name of the person you are sending it to. At the very least, the person’s legal first and last name must be on the envelope when going to an apartment complex. Below is an example of what should appear on the first line.
Jane Doe
This may differ from a single-family house, in which some cases, it can have an address to the family:
The Doe Family
There is usually one mailperson per neighborhood in a town; that person typically knows the residents on their route. However, apartment buildings may have multiple people quickly sorting through mail, and there are more opportunities for human error. Therefore, it is best to clearly write the name of one person you’re sending mail to instead of an entire family name.
Second Line
After writing the person’s full name on the first line, the second line should have the person’s address. This would be the street number, followed by the name of the street. When you are addressing an envelope to a single-family home this is where you would stop, but those writing an address to an apartment need to include one more step.
After the street number and name, you must add a comma, and proceed with the person’s apartment number. It is essential to include the person’s apartment or condo address as that is the main factor that differentiates someone’s mail from their neighbors. Below is an example of what your second line should look like:
123 Sunnyville Road, Apartment 4C
Third Line
Once the person’s full name and address, including their apartment number, are on the first two lines, you can add the city, state, and zip code to the last line. Below is an example of how to address the third line of an envelope to an apartment:
Albany, NY12084
Overall Example of a Standard Apartment Address Format
The following is a completed mailing address format for a recipient in an apartment complex:
Jane Doe
123 Sunnyville Road, Apartment 4C
Albany, NY12084
Other Ways To Address an Envelope
While the first example has the apartment number on the same line as the street name and number, senders can also break that line into two separate lines. Here is an example:
Jane Doe
123 Sunnyville Road
Apartment 4C
Albany, NY12084
while this is not the standard way to address an envelope to an apartment, your note will likely still reach its destination as all crucial components are on the envelope.
Common Abbreviations Seen In Addresses To Apartments
Sometimes, abbreviations might be best for longer addresses, so everything will fit on the envelope. Below are some of the most common addresses used when writing envelopes:
- Suite/Ste: Typically used in office buildings, apartments, or lofts.
- Room/Rm: Used for apartments, offices, hotels, etc.
- Apartment/ Apt: Easy abbreviation option for an apartment.
- Building/Bldg: Used when needed to specify building in address.
- Mailbox/Box: Used for residents with assigned mailboxes.
- Penthouse/ PH: Used for someone on a top floor of a building or apartment complex.
How To Make Sure You Receive Mail In An Apartment
Living in an apartment can be stressful when receiving mail. If the mailing address is not properly written on the envelope or package, it may cause shipping delays or even not make it to the final destination at all. To help ensure mail is delivered in a timely manner while living in an apartment or condo, residents and potential buyers can consider the following options:
Doorman Buildings
Some complexes offer a doorman. This person will help to oversee all of the mail entering the building and direct the mailman in the right direction if they need clarification. Additionally, a doorman is someone the residents of the building see every day and get to know well. So, if the mailman needs to find out where a certain piece of mail goes, the doorman will likely know. Those looking to purchase property in a doorman building can search on RealtyHop.
Mail Delivery Apps and Tools
Large companies provide updated shipping information, but residents also have the option to sign up for delivery updates for regular mail. Many buildings throughout New York City accept Informed Delivery, where the United States Postal Service (USPS) sends emails each day with an itemized list of the pieces of mail they will deliver. Residents can sign up for this free service at any time.
Additionally, residents can look through an app store on their phone, tablet, or computer for mail-related services. Some apps allow property owners to sync their email account with an app that pulls information about all orders. Residents can then click on one app to view the status of any outstanding orders or packages. This type of service becomes especially useful during the holiday season or other times where someone needs to order many packages.
Conclusion
While addressing a letter to a single-family home and an apartment can be quite similar, there is still one crucial step to remember to ensure your letter reaches its destination. Adding the apartment number or specified mailbox in the second line of the address will ensure your letter reaches its recipient.
