Hurricane Season Is Fast Approaching. Be Prepared.

AUSPL members who own post offices in coastal states abutting the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico must not forget that hurricane season is fast approaching. Coverage under the AUSPL Insurance Program may be limited if a storm is “Named” by the National Weather Service (e.g. “Arthur” or “Josephine”). The AUSPL Insurance Program does…

New: USPS Conflict of Interest Certification Form

A new, mandatory “Conflict of Interest Certification” form, intended to spot potential conflict of interest, must accompany each lease renewal and/or new lease negotiation, plus at any change of ownership. All landlords must sign the form, effective March 2014. A potential conflict of interest occurs if a landlord is also one of the following: 1.…

Does Your Lease Have a Termination Clause?

Clearly, the most important thing lessors can do to safeguard their postal investment is to read and understand their lease. We cannot emphasize it enough. Every day, AUSPL members call us with questions about their post office building. We always ask them what the lease says about the item in question. For example, CBRE, which…

What’s the Difference between Housekeeping and Maintenance?

It’s important to read and understand the maintenance rider in your lease. Lessors sometimes find the distinction between “housekeeping” and “maintenance” ambiguous. Here are several items that are considered housekeeping rather than maintenance: 1. Snow removal* 2. Grass cutting 3. Window washing 4. Floor waxing 5. Carpet cleaning The above items are generally USPS responsibility…

USPS Increases Postage, Package Rates

On January 26, the U.S. Postal Service will institute changes in mail service pricing, including a 3-cent increase on stamps from $0.46 to $0.49 for First Class letters (1 oz.), as well as a 1-cent increase on each additional ounce from $0.20 to $0.21.   Postcard rates will increase by 1 cent to $0.34 from…

UPDATE: CBRE Commission

If the CBRE agent is a transaction specialist or a transaction manager, it is likely he/she is not a licensed real estate agent in the state where your post office is located. So, after doing your homework to discover the fair market value of your building and knowing what rent you are willing to accept,…

Protect Yourself When Renewing Your Lease

By AUSPL Board Member John Heeren It’s important when dealing with the USPS or CBRE for lease renewals that you use simple and professional techniques to protect yourself and your investments. Here are a few really easy steps you can take for a successful lease extension. 1. Measure Your Building: Often when we measure the…