Post for previous occupants

Leave it sealed

It isn't yours, so there's no need to open it. Everything you need is usually on the outside: who sent it, who it's for and any reference number.

Send it back

Cross out your address, write "Not known at this address" (or "Moved away" if you know they've moved) and put it in a postbox. You don't need a stamp. If there's a return address on it, Royal Mail takes it back to the sender.

Why it keeps coming

Sending a letter back deals with that one letter. Whether the sender updates their records is up to them, and many don't, especially when the post comes from a mailing list or an old account.

Get the sender to update their records

Tell the sender that the person doesn't live at your address, and include any reference printed on the letter so they can find the record.

Robin does this from a photo. It tells the sender the person doesn't live there, or has moved away, and your name stays out of it. If they asked you to, you can pass on their new address.

Good questions

Do I need a stamp to send post back?

No. Cross out your address, write "Not known at this address" on the envelope and put it in a postbox.

Why do I keep getting post for someone who moved out?

Sending a letter back doesn't always change the sender's records. Telling the sender directly, with any reference on the letter, is the surest way to get it stopped.

Will the sender learn my name?

Not from Dear Sender. Robin writes as the resident and leaves your name out.