How to stop someone from using your address in the UK?

What to Do If Someone’s Using Your Address Without Permission

It’s frustrating to keep getting letters addressed to someone you’ve never heard of. If you’re in the UK and notice that someone keeps using your address without your consent, you’re not alone—and there are simple steps you can take to stop it.

Most of the time, this issue comes from outdated address records or someone carelessly listing your property as their contact. The good news? You don’t need to take legal action right away. Start with the basics: when you receive mail that isn’t yours, don’t throw it away. Instead, take a moment to write “Not at this address – Return to sender” clearly on the envelope. Then, drop it in a postbox. Royal Mail will handle the rest, returning it to the sender without requiring additional postage from you.

This small act sends a clear signal to companies and organisations that the person no longer lives at your address. Over time, the volume of misdirected post should drop significantly. For persistent cases—especially if it involves a former tenant or someone deliberately using your address—you can contact the sender directly (like a utility company or bank) to confirm you’re not responsible for that person’s correspondence.

If the problem continues, consider contacting the Royal Mail Postmaster at your local sorting office. In rare cases where identity fraud is suspected—such as bank statements or official documents arriving for someone else—it’s wise to report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.

Staying proactive helps protect your privacy and peace of mind. With a few simple actions, you can reclaim your mailbox and keep your address secure.