Does Amazon Deliver To Apartments in 2024? The Complete Guide
Amazon‘s famous fast, free delivery extends to millions of apartment dwellers. But apartment deliveries come with their own unique rules, restrictions, and considerations compared to houses.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about getting Amazon packages seamlessly delivered to your apartment home all year long.
Overview of Delivery Rules for Apartments
While Amazon certainly delivers to any valid address, most apartment buildings have their own mailroom and package policies that must be followed.
In fact, according to Rent Cafe‘s 2022 Apartment Living Survey, *67% of apartment properties have a dedicated mailroom or package room* for deliveries while just 33% allow direct to door drop off***.
So based on the large majority of apartments with centralized mailrooms, most residents cannot simply have packages left at their front door.
Common Apartment Delivery Rules and Restrictions
82% of apartments place limits on package deliveries to their mailrooms and lobbies, as per packagingindustry.com. Restrictions often include:
- Maximum weight (typically 50 lbs)
- Maximum dimensions (no more than 72 inches combined length plus girth)
- Certain drop-off windows (e.g. 8 am to 5 pm, no weekends)
- Limits on which items can be left based on type, category, value or sender
Additionally, if delivering to an apartment mailroom instead of a front door, extra requirements may apply:
- Providing the delivery driver with a key or access code
- Requiring the recipient‘s name in addition to the address
- Necessitating a signature, especially for high-value items
- Allowing only the tenant to pick up their packages, not a neighbor
| Delivery Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mailroom | More secure, packages less likely to be stolen | Inconvenient if mailroom has limited hours, resident must retrieve package themselves |
| Front Door | Extremely convenient for resident | Higher risk of theft if package left unattended |
This wide variance in apartment mail and delivery rules underscores why confirming your specific building‘s policies with the landlord is so important.
Securing Packages and Preventing Porch Theft
While house deliveries can simply be left on the doorstep, that approach leaves packages vulnerable to theft at apartments.
In fact, 1 in 5 Americans have had a package stolen from their apartment, perUSRentPayment.com.
To combat "porch pirates" stealing unattended packages at apartments, solutions include:
- Parcel lockers – With access restricted to residents only via scan code
- Smart courier boxes – Require a scan to open and confirm delivery
- Video doorbells – Deter theft by recording activity
- Package drop boxes – Securely hold deliveries until opened with a key
- Custom delivery instructions – Such as "behind bushes" or "under mat" to better hide
| Anti-Theft Option | Avg. Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel Lockers | $100+ per unit | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart Courier Boxes | $200+ | ★★★★☆ |
| Video Doorbells | $100-$250 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Drop Boxes | $50+ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Amazon Delivery of Large Packages to Apartments
While Amazon will deliver right to your apartment door, most complexes place restrictions on oversized items like furniture based on factors such as:
- Weight limit (e.g. 100 lbs)
- Size limit (e.g. no larger than 60" width/length)
- Number of flights to walk up (max of 2-4)
- Whether elevator access is available
Additionally, Amazon may charge Extra Large Item Fees for bigger products going to apartments, similar to surcharges for locations like Alaska and Hawaii.
According to Amazon‘s guidance, unacceptable large items for delivery directly to high rise apartments include:
- Hot tubs
- Pools
- Heavy exercise equipment
- Sheds
- Gazebos
So check with your apartment ahead of time before purchasing oversized items from Amazon for clear expectations.
Tracking Amazon Packages Going To Apartments
Wondering when that Amazon order for your apartment will arrive? Tracking provides real-time visibility into expected delivery date and notifications when packages reach their destination.
Amazon provides tracking on all packages directly on their website. Simply view your orders, select the specific item, and click "Track Package."
Apartment residents can also sign up for tracking alerts and delivery notifications via text message when packages are 15-30 minutes away. This ensures someone is available to accept the package or pick it up promptly.
In 2024, Amazon is even rolling out photo on delivery confirmation where drivers take a picture of your packages left at the apartment mailroom or front door.
So with robust tracking and alerts, apartment dwellers can closely monitor Amazon orders from click to doorstep.
From the above apartment delivery guidance, it‘s clear policies can vary widely complex to complex.
The best approach is learning rules before ordering, tracking shipments closely via mobile alerts, and utilizing secure mailrooms, parcel lockers, and custom delivery instructions where applicable.
By understanding these key factors, residents can feel comfortable getting fast Amazon deliveries directly to their apartment just like individual home owners.
So don‘t let apartment living stop you from fully enjoying ultra-convenient packages from Amazon to your door. Welcome to the world of free one-day shipping even without a house!
