Most townhouse schemes have a central letterbox cluster near the front entrance — one box per lot, all mounted in or on a common structure. That structure is common property, and the owners corporation looks after it. Each owner is responsible for what's inside their own box, including their key.

Typical position

Usually OC

  • The letterbox bank or stand
  • Individual letterbox doors and locks
  • Concrete or brick surround
  • Common signage or numbering
  • Repair after vandalism

Usually owner

  • Your letterbox key (replacement after loss)
  • Contents of your box
  • Re-keying if you've lost the only key

Often grey

  • Letterboxes attached to individual lot walls
  • Where individual boxes look distinct from the rest
  • Damage caused by a specific owner

⚠ Townhouse arrangement

Townhouse schemes almost always have letterboxes as common property — typically a bank of mailboxes at the street entry or on a common wall. This is similar to apartment buildings, with one practical difference: townhouses often have the boxes outdoors and exposed to weather, so they need more maintenance over time.

If your scheme has individual letterboxes mounted to each lot's front fence or wall, check the strata plan — some older schemes show those as lot fittings.

Common situations

Lost key

Replacing a key for your own letterbox is the owner's responsibility. The strata manager may be able to help arrange a locksmith if needed.

Broken lock

If the lock has failed due to wear or weather, the OC arranges replacement. If you've broken it forcing entry after losing your key, that's on you.

Damaged or vandalised letterbox bank

Common property damage — report it to the strata manager. The OC arranges the repair and, if there's an insurance claim, the OC's policy covers it.

Mail theft or break-ins

If the letterbox security itself is failing (poor locks, easy to lift open), the OC should look at upgrading to a more secure design. Identity theft from mail is a real risk and worth fixing properly.

Adding a parcel locker or notice board

Additions to common property need OC approval. A parcel locker by the letterboxes is a great idea in many small schemes — raise it at the AGM.

Practical next steps

  1. For damage or repair, report to your strata manager in writing.
  2. For lost keys, get a replacement from a locksmith.
  3. For security upgrades, raise at a committee meeting or the next AGM.
  4. For mail theft, report to police (it's a federal offence) and let the OC know — security improvements may be warranted.

Sources

Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), s4 (definition of common property) and s106 (strict duty to repair and maintain common property).

Seiwa Pty Ltd v The Owners — Strata Plan No 35042 [2006] NSWSC 1157 — strict duty principle.

NSW Fair Trading — Strata living and dispute resolution guidance.

This isn't legal advice. Letterboxes are usually a straightforward common-property item. If you're not sure how your scheme is set up, ask your strata manager — it's a quick answer.
AH
Alan Hunter
Licensee in Charge, Townhouse Strata · Class 1 Strata Manager