Package theft at your rental: are you responsible?
In most places a landlord is not automatically responsible for a tenant's stolen package, unless the lease or a promise you made takes on that duty. Still, package theft is a top annoyance, and a short written delivery policy plus a few cheap fixes cut most of it. Say clearly what you do and do not handle.
Are landlords liable for stolen packages?
The usual answer is no. A package is the tenant's property, and the carrier delivered it. A landlord could take on responsibility by offering a package service, accepting parcels for tenants, or promising security that the building does not provide. Courts look at what you said and what you did.
That is why the wording of your lease and your emails matters. "Management is not responsible for packages left in common areas" sets the expectation, while an informal habit of signing for everything can create a duty you did not mean to take. This is the common pattern, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and city, so check your state's law or ask a local landlord attorney before you act.
What should a delivery policy say?
- Where carriers should leave packages: the door, a mailroom, a locker or a shelf.
- Whether you accept packages on tenants' behalf. If you do, say how long you hold them and that you are not liable for loss.
- That tenants should use delivery tracking, a neighbor, a work address or a pickup locker for valuable items.
- What to do if a package goes missing: tell the carrier and the seller first, then tell you.
- That packages left in halls, stairways or fire exits will be moved.
Put it in a one-page addendum or the welcome packet and repeat it in an email when a tenant moves in.
What actually reduces theft?
| Fix | Cost level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camera at the entry | Low to medium | Cameras in common areas have rules. See cameras in common areas. |
| Good lighting near the entrance | Low | Discourages quick grabs. |
| A package shelf inside a locked entry | Low | Works for small buildings. |
| A locker or parcel box | Medium to high | Fits larger buildings. |
| Tell tenants to use pickup points | Free | Many carriers offer them. |
For a house or small building, the cheapest fix is often a lockable box by the door and a rule that carriers use it.
Whatever you choose, tell tenants what it is and what it is not. A shelf in the entry is a convenience, not a guarantee. If a tenant believes the building promises safe storage, a loss becomes an argument about what you said, so keep the wording modest and the same for everyone.
What do I say when a tenant reports a missing package?
- Reply kindly and quickly.
- Ask for the date, the carrier and the tracking number.
- Check any camera footage you are allowed to share.
- Point them to the carrier and the seller for a claim.
- Record the report. A pattern of thefts may be worth a security fix.
Example a made-up building of 12 units gets four theft reports in a month. You add a light, move the shelf inside the front door and email every tenant the delivery rule. Reports are tracked in the next months, and you compare.
How DoorKeeping helps
DoorKeeping can email every tenant in a building at once, so a new delivery rule reaches everyone on the same day, and it logs what you sent. You can ask Claude or ChatGPT to draft the rule in plain words and you approve it first. DoorKeeping does not run mailrooms or lockers.
Sources
- DoorKeeping: Connect Claude or ChatGPT (steps and tools list), read Oct 30, 2026
Questions
- Should I accept packages for my tenants?
- Only if you are willing to keep a log and hold them safely. Otherwise, set a clear rule that you do not.
- Can I put a camera at the front door?
- Often yes for common areas, but rules apply to audio and to private spaces. Check your state.
- Does renters insurance cover stolen packages?
- It may, depending on the policy and the deductible. Tenants should check their own policy.
- Can I charge for a package locker?
- Some owners do, as a line in the lease. Make sure it is clear and agreed, and check local fee rules.