The Complete Guide to Delivery Boxes and Unattended Delivery at Rental Properties—How to Receive Packages Without Failed Redeliveries
A detailed explanation of delivery box types, selection criteria, and inspection points at rental properties. We also introduce how to choose between delivery boxes and unattended delivery options, as well as alternative solutions for properties without delivery boxes.
As the e-commerce market has expanded, the number of deliveries to homes has risen steadily. According to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism statistics, the number of domestic parcel deliveries has exceeded 5 billion packages annually, and failed delivery rates remain at high levels. Even as remote work has become more established, it's still difficult to avoid deliveries while away from home or at work, making delivery boxes increasingly essential for securely receiving packages while away.
When searching for rental properties, the presence or absence of a delivery box has become a top priority on amenity checklists. With a delivery box, you can safely receive packages even while away, eliminate time loss from redeliveries, and reduce the burden on the entire delivery industry. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of how delivery boxes work, how to choose one, and how to use them alongside unattended delivery services.
Delivery boxes installed at rental properties fall into three main types:
Mechanical Delivery Boxes (PIN Code and Dial Lock Types)
This is the most widely adopted format. After a delivery person places your package inside, they lock it with a PIN code or dial lock, and you unlock it using the number provided in the delivery notice. Because installation costs are low, they're frequently adopted even at smaller apartment buildings, and they have the advantage of requiring no power supply and having low failure rates. However, since box capacity is fixed, they may not accommodate large packages or multiple items.
Electronic Delivery Boxes (IC Card and Digital PIN Types)
This is a high-tech type that combines a touchpad with electronic locks. Delivery people operate the panel, and you receive notifications via SMS or app. Many properties are integrated with building management systems, and a major advantage is that usage history is recorded as data. Since they require power to operate, you should confirm in advance whether operating costs are included in the maintenance fee.
Found at single-family homes and low-rise townhouses, these are dedicated boxes installed at each unit's entrance. Since they're placed within your private space, they can accommodate relatively large packages. Unlike shared types, you won't compete with other residents for access, so usability is excellent; however, note that securing installation space and maintenance are the resident's responsibility.
Inspection Checklist When Viewing a Property
To correctly evaluate the practicality of a delivery box, here are key points to check during a property viewing:
Box Quantity vs. Number of Units
Since delivery boxes are shared amenities, if the number of boxes is low relative to the total number of units, they tend to be constantly full. Generally, boxes should comprise about 30–50% of the total number of units. When full, delivery notices are posted as usual and redelivery occurs, so we recommend observing actual usage during your viewing.
Box Size Variety
Check that large, medium, and small boxes are appropriately distributed. Convenience increases when multiple large boxes are installed to accommodate large items like appliances and seasonal goods.
Service Integration Confirmation
It's also important to confirm that major delivery services like Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and Japan Post are available. Some electronic boxes have varying compatibility depending on the delivery company. Confirm by contacting the management company or checking the list of compatible operators displayed on the box's control panel.
Management and Maintenance System
You should also confirm who handles repairs when something breaks (the management company, property owner, or specialized maintenance company). Delays in repair can result in the box being unavailable for extended periods.
Smart Use of Unattended Delivery Options
"Unattended delivery" is a service where packages are left at a designated location (such as your entrance, delivery box, or bicycle basket) when you're not home. Major e-commerce retailers and delivery services support it, and you can easily set it up through an app.
Using delivery boxes and unattended delivery options flexibly depending on the situation increases the convenience of receiving packages.
When Unattended Delivery Is a Good Choice
•When the delivery box is full and unavailable
•When a package is too large to fit in the box
•When same-day pickup is essential, such as for fresh food (specify the entrance, then retrieve it soon after arriving home)
Cases Where Caution Is Needed
•At properties where building security structure poses a risk of unauthorized entry, be cautious of theft.
•On rainy or snowy days, packages may get wet, so prioritize using the delivery box during bad weather.
•For high-value items or delicate electronics, consider requesting in-person delivery.
Solutions When Choosing a Property Without a Delivery Box
Even at properties without delivery boxes, you can minimize inconvenience by using these alternative solutions:
Using Convenience Store and Station Locker Pickup
Yamato Transport, Sagawa, and Japan Post all support pickup at convenience stores or PUDO (delivery lockers). If you specify a convenience store or station locker on your commute route, you can pick up packages on your way home. Refrigerated lockers are becoming more common, making it easier to pick up food items.
Making Full Use of Unattended Delivery Settings
Through each delivery company's app, you can specify detailed locations for each package, such as "entrance," "mailbox," or "delivery box." Confirm that your building's management rules allow unattended delivery, then use it proactively.
Coordinating Your Schedule
By specifying delivery times on days you work from home or have longer hours at home, you can nearly eliminate failed deliveries. Many delivery services offer time-specified delivery at no extra charge.
The presence or absence of a delivery box significantly affects your daily convenience for receiving packages. Confirming facilities carefully from the early stages of property hunting and choosing an environment suited to your lifestyle leads to a comfortable rental experience.
