Forum spotlight - what contact details do you need on a tenancy agreement?
Our members-only forum on our website is a great place for you to seek advice and share experiences.
This month, a member had a query about what details need to be included in a tenancy agreement.
They asked whether they needed to provide a physical address if the tenant has agreed to contact via email.
What did other landlords say?
A member said the tenant must have a Royal Mail approved address for service of documents.
The advice from our Landlord Support Team
Our advisers told the member they MUST, by law, provide a physical address on the tenancy agreement with the provision of an email address and phone number an optional requirement.
What does the law say?
Under UK law Sections 47 and 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, you must provide a physical address in England or Wales where the tenant can send official notices and legal documents.
This address does not always have to be your home address, it can be your letting agent or solicitor's address, but until it is provided the tenant legally has the right to withhold rent.
Furthermore, under the Renters’ Rights Act in England, you must provide a ‘written statement’ to your tenant, and this must include an address in England or Wales where notices can be served on the landlord.
Similarly in Wales, you must provide Form RHW2 providing written notice of the landlord’s address within 14 days of the start of the contract.
Full guidance and more information
To read the original forum post, click here.
Read our comprehensive guides to creating an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT), now the default tenancy in England since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, and standard occupation contracts in Wales.
