PS Form 3801-A Agreement by a Hotel, Apartment House, or the Like

PS Form 3801-A Instructions

The PS Form 3801-A, which may contain up to four representatives, is treated as an agreement between the hotel, or the like, and the USPS.

Registered mail addressed to guests or employees of hotels, apartment houses, or the like, are delivered to the authorized representatives, who are designated by the management of the hotel or apartment house by means of this form. The authorized representative of the hotel (or the like) agrees to assume full responsibility for the registered mail that is delivered to them. When the authorized representative receives the USPS registered mail addressed to guests or employees of hotels, occupants of apartment houses, or the like, said representative agrees to the following:

1. Accept delivery;
2. Become financially responsible to the addressee of the registered mail or to the US Postal Service;
3. Safeguard and dispose of all registered mail entrusted to them by the Postal Service for subsequent delivery to the addressee;
4. Keep such record of the mail for two years (showing the date of receipt, registration number, post office's name, and state of origin, exact address on the article, article condition - if other than good-, disposition manner, and disposal date.)

However, if delivery of the registered mail is restricted by the sender, it may not be delivered to the said representative, unless the addressee has authorized that person in writing to receive it. The authorization may be made by a letter to the postmaster, by filing a PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt, or by filing a PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order.

Should any change occur in ownership or management of the apartment house, hotel, or the like, the owner of the said building should immediately notify the local post office in writing. The same procedure shall be followed if any change occurs regarding the individuals mentioned in the form as the authorized persons to mail. Thus, by signing the form, the owner assumes responsibility for any failure to immediately notify the post office. It is worth noting that the carriers are instructed to report to the post office, without delay, if they suspect that there has been any change (as mentioned above.

The owner of the hotel, apartment house, or the like, must sign the form for it to be valid. Alternatively, they can authorize another person in writing to sign on their behalf. Such authority must be filed at the post office together with the PS 3801-A Form. If the apartment house, hotel, or the like, is managed by a person or organization that is not the owner and does not act on behalf of the owner, then the agreement must be signed by such person or organization instead; or, alternatively, by their authorized representative.

The form can be discontinued at any time by the USPS or by the owner of the hotel, apartment house, or the like (or by the person authorized to sign the form) upon submission of a written notice to the other party involved.