Parcel experts warn that accepting deliveries for neighbours could bring a legal fight with it
Shoppers are being cautioned that they could accidentally jeopardise a neighbour’s consumer rights, or even find themselves in a legal predicament, by agreeing to receive parcels on their behalf. As delivery drivers scramble to meet Christmas deadlines, many households will be asked to accept packages for their neighbours.
However, parcel experts warn that this seemingly innocuous favour can trigger a “legal pass-the-parcel” if items arrive damaged or subsequently go missing. David Jinks, Head of Consumer Research at Parcelhero, said: “Few things are more annoying than getting a card telling you that you missed your delivery and you’ll have to travel miles to a depot that shuts at midday.
“Many of us are relieved when neighbours sign for our deliveries so we happily do the same for them. However, what happens if that parcel is damaged or goes missing? The consequences could surprise you. Goods are the responsibility of the retailer/seller while they are in transit, until they are signed for by the buyer or their nominated neighbour.”
He continued: “Ideally, therefore, we and our neighbours should always check parcels to ensure they are intact before agreeing to accept them or signing. In practice, few have the time to check every package. However, if the parcel looks in any way damaged, it really is best to refuse acceptance or, at the very least, write ‘arrived damaged’ when you accept.”
He cautioned that shoppers possess stronger protections when a delivery driver deposits a package with a neighbour without consent.
“If the courier has left an item with a neighbour without your permission – even if signed for – you can argue that, by leaving it at a different address, it is still undelivered and therefore remains the responsibility of the seller or courier,” he said.
“However, things are trickier if you gave the seller or courier permission to deliver to a nominated neighbour.”
Nevertheless, he emphasised that “even if your neighbour has signed for an item, they haven’t waived all your consumer rights”, noting that pointing out visible damage assists but “is not a legal necessity”.
Difficulties can emerge when parcels disappear after being signed for. Mr Jinks referenced one instance where an elderly gentleman accepted a delivery for a neighbour, left his home, and subsequently found his property had been burgled with the package taken.
“The seller tried to argue that the neighbour had failed in his duty of care because he had signed for the parcel but had failed to keep it entirely secure. The neighbour’s insurance company also argued that because it wasn’t his property, the package wasn’t covered so they were not about to pay up either.”
But legal guidance was unambiguous, he explained: “Looking after someone’s property means you are under a duty to take reasonable care of the property but the risk of loss or damage stays with the owner.”
Another contentious issue arises when neighbours refuse to acknowledge receiving a parcel despite the courier logging a signature. Mr Jinks explained: “Providing no permission was given to deliver to this particular neighbour, no matter if they flatly deny ever signing or claim they later left it on your doormat, the retailer must send you a new item.”
He noted that people are perfectly entitled to decline accepting parcels altogether – even displaying a notice stating they do not accept neighbours’ deliveries – though “that sticker in your window might not make you the most popular person in your street”.
If you do choose to assist, specialists recommend at least inspecting for visible damage and storing the parcel safely until collection. Mr Jinks also encouraged households to organise their own Christmas posting early. Many couriers, he noted, suggest a dispatch date of December 19 for popular European destinations.
