UK Landlord Forum / Life

As I am living abroad, initially in perhaps several properties before I settle, can I simply update the tenants via the tenancy agreement when my permanent address is confirmed via the letting agent? Perhaps also the letting agent address can be provided as well.

I do have an English address, but it is a relative's home and I think it may contravene the data protection laws, besides I will not be there much of the time.

I assume a WhatsApp number will also suffice as a mode of contact, which will also needed to be updated as and when I obtain a new mobile.

The reason I ask is that I read if you don't have your contact details confirmed, then the renters are not obligated to pay any rent until the matter is finalised.

I await your kind advices

If you are letting in England or Wales it's a legal requirement to give the tenant an address in England or Wales at which legal notices can be served on you. You don't have to live there.

The (separate) requirement to give a tenant your home address (or an address where you are normally to be found) arises when you buy a property (or the ownership structure changes and you are a beneficial owner).

Thank you Jpkeates I assume the letting agents can suffice for an address at which legal notices can be sent.

Can you elaborate if I have to give a personal address on the tenancy agreement ?

If the letting agents agree that legal notices can be served on you there, that address would be fine. If the notice is a local authority improvement notice or a demand for rent repayment, would they accept it on your behalf?

Whatever address you can serve notices on should be on the tenancy agreement. You can make it clear in the agreement itself. The landlord is [name] or [whatever your current address is]. Notices and all communications relating to the tenancy should be sent to [agent's address]. The main purpose of the address in the landlord part of the agreement is to try and make it clear which person is the landlord, names not being unique (or even very significant legally). The requirement for an address for notices is actually a separate requirement.

I've never known anyone getting into any kind of issue about this, it's almost entirely theoretical for short term leases like this. Rent gets sent to a bank account, people communicate by text or email (or some equivalent like WhatsApp) and people move home all the time.