Tenants are entitled to know who their landlord is, and agents are often the ones asked. These complaints are usually simple to resolve, but the time limits are real.
Disclosing the landlord's identity
Under section 1 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, if a tenant makes a written request for the landlord's name and address to the person who demands or last received the rent, or any other person acting as the landlord's agent, that person must supply the landlord's name and address in writing within 21 days. Failing to do so without reasonable excuse is an offence.
An address for serving notices
Section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 requires the landlord to give the tenant an address in England and Wales at which notices (including notices in proceedings) can be served on them. Until this is done, rent or service charges otherwise due may be treated as not due. An agent's address can be given for this purpose where the landlord agrees.
Common points of dispute
- A written request for the landlord's details that wasn't answered within 21 days.
- The tenancy agreement giving only the agent's details and no address for service.
- A change of landlord not notified.
Records to pull
- The tenant's written request and its date.
- Your reply and its date.
- The tenancy agreement, and any notice giving an address for service.
Answering it
If the request is valid, provide the details in writing straight away, and check the tenancy paperwork gives a proper address for service.
Casebriar separates a tenant complaint into its issues, checks the legal claims it covers against legislation.gov.uk and lists the records you’ll need. It’s in a free pilot with letting agents in England.
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