Mailbox Question for a SFH that is being used as a Duplex

[Sai Kopacek]

Good Morning! 

My wife and I are looking at purchasing this awesome single family home in Martinez, CA that is currently set-up as a duplex. Both units are about 1,700 sq. ft. w/nice kitchens, bath rooms, and laundry - each with separate entrances. 

My question - Is it possible to just put a dual mail box in place of the single mail box? With Unit A and B on each mailbox door. I am going to start calling the city to find out more, and see what needs to be done. I just haven't dealt with this in the past and wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue?

Cheers,

Sai

[Marc Winter]

@Sai Kopacek, is it a single-fam or a duplex?  That means, is it a legal 2-family house according to city hall?  If the 2nd apartment is not up to code, doesn't have permits and inspections and a c/o, I'd pass.

BTW, in some jurisdictions, multiple mailboxes or doorbells on a single-family are a great giveaway that it is a chopped house, and becomes a magnet for violations.

Lastly, if you do play that game, make sure your insurance company insures the property as a 2-family home.