Section 48

Section 48 usually means section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. It requires a landlord to give the tenant an address in England or Wales where notices can be served. Until you do this in writing, the tenant’s rent is not legally due, even though the tenancy otherwise exists.

From a landlord’s perspective, section 48 is a simple but crucial compliance step. The address can be your own, your agent’s, or another suitable address in England or Wales, but it must be one where you will actually receive post, including formal notices and court papers. The information is commonly included in the tenancy agreement, welcome letter or rent demand.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, which strengthens tenants’ rights and access to redress, failure to provide a valid section 48 address can:

• Undermine rent arrears and possession claims, because rent was not technically due.

• Create scope for disputes about notices and communication.

Professional landlords ensure that a correct section 48 address is given at the start of every tenancy, updated promptly if it changes, and repeated in key documents such as rent statements and possession claim forms.

Also see our landlord blog articles, including:

• Section 48 notice: notifying a tenant of address for service