Certified Mail Alternatives?

Started by JanineR • 12 replies • 619 views

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JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

I need to send a couple of certified mail letters to the property manager to request copies of missing records and financials that are not on the portal.
Emailing this request directly to the property manager and Board has not worked.

Would usps priority mail serve the same purpose if this ever ended up in court that I requested these documents?

I can print priority mail from my computer, but the 'green card' seems to be something that requires a post office visit, which is hard to schedule right now.

I appreciate any input.

SheilaJ1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 291

Posted:

Been looking for the same thing, unfortunately always gotta make that trip to the post office. It’s a good idea to send it certified even though someone can refuse delivery.

Perhaps signature priority mail but I think that’s only with express. Others may have alternatives. But I don’t think priority would work.

Biggest cause of HOA lawsuits, in my opinion, is records requests. The biggest thing the attorney will never tell you is that even if you spend money to get the documents the HOA simply will say they were not accurate, they forgot something or blame records deficiency on management and the best one that they never voted on them, so be careful in what you ask for. The request should be broad as to not giveaway exactly what you’re looking for but detailed enough where state statute requires them to disclose certain documents like financials or audits. Then they can’t hide behind an excuse or blaming management. And remember the best reason to request is for your education as a member, since law does require a purpose for the request, in most states.

JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

Great advise.

Thank you.

I'll be getting those boots on.

JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

~advice

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

There are companies that provide online certified mail services, but they may cost more than the post office. Try googling certified mail online and see who comes up.

Or you'll just have to make the time to go to the post office if this is important to you. Or visit the property manager office yourself. be sure you SPECIFY what you want to see - just showing up and asking for mounds of paperwork will take a lot of time for everyone, including you. Making an appointment wouldn't hurt either.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

https://www.stamps.com/usps/certified-mail/

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Recommendation = If your Association is a Corporation, find out who the registered agent is, and send your notice there.

See https://sos.tn.gov/products/business-services/business-entity-filings-faqs

"What Is A Registered Agent?

A corporation transacting business in Tennessee is required to have a person or legal entity located in this State designated to receive documents on its behalf, and this function is served by the registered agent. The registered agent’s name and street address in Tennessee must be on file with the Division of Business Services at all times."

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

SheilaJ1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 291

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By NpS on 02/20/2021 6:06 PM
Recommendation = If your Association is a Corporation, find out who the registered agent is, and send your notice there.

See https://sos.tn.gov/products/business-services/business-entity-filings-faqs

"What Is A Registered Agent?

A corporation transacting business in Tennessee is required to have a person or legal entity located in this State designated to receive documents on its behalf, and this function is served by the registered agent. The registered agent’s name and street address in Tennessee must be on file with the Division of Business Services at all times."

This is fine but not as a first step, once a lawyer finds out then all they see is dollar signs.

Try management first, get what papers you can from management and then come back here and let us know how it goes.

BenA2 (Texas)
Posts: 1,273

Posted:

I would say Priority Mail would be just as good since you can prove that it was signed for. The only caveat would be if you are sending something that is required to be sent "Certified Mail." For example, if we send a violation letter, the code specifies certified mail so we have no choice.

JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

Does anyone have any experience with this USPS signature confirmation service?

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JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

The attachment got cut off, but it is the 5th on the proof of mailing and delivery info on the the USPS website here:

https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

I typically use the green card.
I also type in the certified number on the letter itself (if it has to go to court).

I did use a digital signature once from the post office.
I got an email when it was signed for:

Thank you for using USPS.com.

This is a post-only message. Please do not respond.

Tracking Number: ########

Service Type: First-Class Mail®

Thank you for requesting a Return Receipt (Electronic) letter on your shipment.

Your Return Receipt (Electronic) letter is included in a PDF file attached to this email. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view the PDF file. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free by going to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

If you have additional questions on USPS Tracking® services and features or if you have difficulties viewing the attached file, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of our USPS Tracking® site at http://www.usps.com/shipping/uspstrackingfaqs.htm for more information.

Attachment: Return Receipt (Electronic) letter (PDF)

JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259

Posted:

Green card it is.
I need some fresh air anyway.

That is a good idea to print the certified number in the letter.

I used the usps online service to have some Certified Mail cards sent to me, so I can get everything ready to go before making the trek.

Thanks!

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