Frequently asked questions
Updated 22 November 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-in-dwellings-approved-document-q/frequently-asked-questions
Does statutory guidance in Approved Document Q cover the position and height of letter box apertures in homes?
Existing statutory guidance in Approved Document Q does not explicitly include guidance on letter box heights, but points to a trade standard for appropriate and robust door hardware, TS 008:2012. This in turn references the British and European standard, BS EN 13724:2013 Postal services: apertures of private letter boxes and letter plates. This takes into account security, safety, ergonomics and performance for the resident, and safety, ergonomics and efficiency for postal delivery personnel. It sets out the height, positioning and design of letter boxes. It provides guidance for letter plates to be positioned in a range of 700mm up to 1700mm from the finished floor level. Designers and product manufacturers who consider this relevant and referenced European standard will be able to demonstrate their compliance with the Building Regulations.