I'm in a block of 8 flats, I'm the only one always home (agoraphobia) the rest all work or at least have lives unlike me its buzzer entry too.
This time last year, my first Christmas here every day I was getting pestered by postman/couriers with parcels for neighbours. NOT ONE said thank you even once! One had a frigging wall unit delivered (flat pack several v large parcels) and hadn't bothered to arrange to be home to take delivery. That's the point I went no! Enough's enough!
So I refused that one (and got a mouthful from the recipient!) stopped taking them and this year as soon as it started again I didn't even take one shall one. It's not appreciated and I am not a sodding sitting office!
My neighbours - none of whom know me at all - probably think I'm a lazy "benefit scrounger" as I'm always home. In addition to the mh stuff (which is plenty bad enough!) I also have an invisible physical disability which causes pain too so being up and down to answer the door to parcels that aren't even bloody mine is not good.
At previous addresses if I've had neighbours I'm friendly/friends with I've been happy to take deliveries for them - but the difference was
They asked politely first
They'd have taken no for an answer if I couldn't - which sometimes was the case eg when I was also working, or was due to be out that day myself, or even once when I was recently out of hospital and needing rest.
They thanked me for doing so and often kindly have me a small gift or even just a thank you card.
They were happy to do similar small favours for me.
This madam is being bloody cheeky! Get her told! Go round there yourself (because I too suspect your dh is saying something he thinks genuinely just a "turn of phrase" that she's taking as implied acceptance of her behaviour) and tell her to pack it in! Tell her she was out of order putting that note up without even asking you, that she's lazy, rude and unappreciative and you'll not be taking her deliveries again. That this is NOT how you treat neighbours when you're wanting them to do YOU a favour!
"I'm pretty much certain she won't come and collect the desk. It's heavy lol. And you know....it.might chip her nails" she either collects it or you arrange for it to be returned to the courier service that delivered and likely onwards back to the retailer. I can't see that being illegal!
All those saying a note saying "only deliveries for this address" are right - but you'll likely get certain couriers still trying it (due to how their employment contracts work they don't get paid for non deliveries - not their fault but not yours either) so you just have to firmly clarify
First - if the parcel is for you - you may been to check first as they have been known to say "yes" if you just ask - I've been caught out on this.
Second - if it isn't yours be very firm you are NOT accepting deliveries that aren't yours.
Yay! Well done you for refusing! Keep it up and don't give in to cfness!