Perhaps this is distracting the conversation then. I just brought up rust because it is a common element of rental inspection (http://www.dca.ca.gov/publication

Perhaps this is distracting the conversation then. I just brought up rust because it is a common element of rental inspection (http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/looking.shtml http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/looking.shtm...), and because inhaling iron particles has been known to cause respiratory issues - probably more relevant in a human enclosure than in a mailbox (albeit not as serious as asbestos or lead). But the point stands, if the container is generally accepted as a public-access dwelling, then it is not unreasonable to subject it to inspection for livability.