DHL can deliver to apartment buildings, but the process depends on your building's security setup and whether someone is home to receive the package

DHL delivers to apartment buildings regularly, but your building's access rules and your availability matter more than the carrier itself. If your building has a locked entrance, DHL needs either a key code, a buzzer system that works, or someone to let them in. If nobody answers and the driver cannot enter, DHL will leave a notice and attempt redelivery the next business day — or hold the package at a nearby location for you to pick up.

The real variable is whether your building allows package delivery at all and where DHL is supposed to leave it. Some buildings require packages go to a front desk or mailroom. Others let drivers leave packages at apartment doors. A few prohibit delivery drivers from entering entirely. You need to know your building's policy before your package arrives, because DHL cannot guess.

Key Takeaways

  • DHL can enter apartment buildings if there is a working buzzer, key code, or someone to open the door, but many drivers will not wait long if nobody responds.
  • Your building's management may require packages be left at a front desk, mailroom, or package room instead of your apartment door.
  • If DHL cannot access your building or no one is home, they will leave a notice and return the next business day or take the package to a nearby pickup location.
  • Telling DHL your building's access instructions and your apartment number in the delivery notes prevents confusion and failed attempts.
  • Some buildings prohibit delivery drivers from entering at all, which means you may need to pick up packages from a DHL location instead.

What happens when DHL arrives at a locked building entrance

When a DHL driver reaches a locked apartment building, they have a few options. If the building has a working buzzer or intercom system, they will buzz your unit. If you answer and buzz them in, they proceed to your door. If you do not answer or your buzzer is broken, the driver will try the main entrance — some buildings prop doors open or use key codes that are publicly listed online, though this is less common now.

If the driver cannot enter and cannot reach you, they will not force their way in. Instead, they leave a notice on the door or in the mailbox saying they attempted delivery. You then have the option to pick up the package from a nearby DHL service point, request redelivery for another day, or arrange a specific time when you will be home. The notice includes instructions for each option.

Where your building allows DHL to leave packages

Your apartment building's management sets the rules for where packages can be left, and DHL is supposed to follow them. Some buildings have a staffed front desk or concierge who receives all packages. Others have a mailroom or package room where drivers can leave items. Still others allow drivers to leave packages directly at apartment doors, as long as they are out of sight from the street.

Check your lease or building rules to find out where packages should go. If you are unsure, ask your building management or front desk staff. Then, when you place an order, add this information to the delivery notes — for example, "Leave at front desk" or "Leave in mailroom." DHL drivers read these notes and will follow them if they can access the location.

If your building prohibits delivery drivers from entering at all, you may not be able to have packages delivered to your door. In that case, you can ask the sender to ship to a DHL location near you instead, or arrange to pick up packages yourself.

How to make sure DHL can reach you

The most reliable way to receive a DHL package at an apartment is to be home when it arrives. DHL makes deliveries during business hours, typically between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., though the exact time varies by location and how busy the route is. If you know your package is coming, try to be available during that window.

If you cannot be home, add clear instructions in the delivery notes: your apartment number, your building's buzzer code or intercom name, where to leave the package, and any access details the driver needs. Include your phone number so the driver can call if they have questions. Some DHL shipments also allow you to request a specific delivery date or time window through the tracking page, which gives you more control.

If you have a regular delivery issue — your buzzer does not work, your building's intercom is broken, or management never picks up packages — contact DHL customer service and ask to add a note to your account. They can flag your address so drivers know to call you instead of leaving a notice.

What to do if DHL leaves a notice

If DHL leaves a notice that they could not deliver your package, you have three main options. First, you can request redelivery by calling the number on the notice or using the DHL tracking page. You can specify a date and time when you will be home, and DHL will try again. Second, you can pick up the package from the DHL service point listed on the notice — this is usually the fastest option if you are nearby. Third, you can arrange for someone else to receive the package on your behalf, as long as you add their name and contact information to the delivery instructions.

Redelivery attempts usually happen the next business day. If you request redelivery, make sure to be home or have someone there to receive it. If DHL cannot deliver after multiple attempts, the package may be returned to the sender, and you will lose the item. Some senders offer refunds or reshipping, but it is faster to be home the first time.

Apartment buildings with package rooms or lockers

Many newer apartment buildings have a dedicated package room or smart lockers where all deliveries are placed. If your building has this setup, DHL will leave your package there instead of at your door. You will receive a notice with a code or key to access your package. This system works well because it keeps packages find and out of hallways.

If your building has lockers or a package room, make sure DHL knows about it. Add "Leave in package room" or "Use building lockers" to your delivery notes. Some buildings automatically direct all carriers to use the system, but telling DHL directly prevents mistakes. If a package is too large for the lockers, DHL will leave it at the front desk or mailroom instead.

Building access codes and buzzer systems

If your building uses a buzzer or intercom system, make sure the system actually works before your package arrives. Test it yourself by calling from outside or asking a friend to buzz in. Broken buzzers are common in older buildings, and a non-working buzzer means DHL cannot reach you even if you are home.

If your building uses a key code for the main entrance, you can share that code with DHL in your delivery notes — for example, "Code is 1234#" — so the driver can enter without waiting for you to buzz them in. However, do not share codes that are sensitive or that management has asked you to keep private. If you are uncomfortable sharing a code, stick with the buzzer option and make sure you are home to answer it.

Some buildings have upgraded to video intercom systems or apps that let you buzz people in from your phone, even if you are not home. If your building has this, you can buzz DHL in remotely when they arrive, which solves the problem of being away during delivery hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DHL leave a package outside my apartment door if my building allows it?

Yes, if your building's rules permit packages at apartment doors and you have noted this in your delivery instructions, DHL will leave it there. However, packages left in hallways are at risk of theft. Ask DHL to leave the package out of sight, or request they leave it only if someone is home to receive it.

What if my building's front desk refuses to accept a DHL package?

Contact DHL and explain the situation. You can request the package be held at a nearby DHL service point for pickup instead. You can also reach out to your building management and ask why packages are being refused — most buildings are required to accept deliveries on behalf of residents, though policies vary.

Can I have DHL deliver to my apartment if my building has no buzzer or intercom?

It depends on whether DHL can access the building another way. If the main door is usually propped open or if you can provide a key code, delivery is possible. Otherwise, you may need to arrange pickup from a DHL location or request redelivery when you can be outside to meet the driver.

Does DHL charge extra to deliver to apartment buildings?

No, DHL does not charge extra for apartment deliveries. The cost is the same whether you live in a house or an apartment. However, if you request a specific delivery time or signature confirmation, those services may have additional fees depending on your shipping option.

What if I give DHL the wrong apartment number?

If the package is delivered to the wrong unit, contact DHL when ready with your tracking number and the correct apartment number. DHL will attempt to retrieve the package from the wrong address. In the meantime, notify your building management so they can help locate it. Always double-check your apartment number before placing an order.