Accessing the register
Before entering into a tenancy agreement, the prospective tenant should check that her/his landlord is registered with the local authority.
Before Entering into a Tenancy Agreement
Certain information about every residential address let by a private landlord should be available from the landlord registration website. [1] The information should include:
the name of the owner
the name of any agent that acts on her/his behalf
a contact address for the owner.
It is also possible to confirm through the website that a particular individual is on the register. [2]
If you cannot find details of a landlord
If a tenant cannot find details of a landlord on the register, s/he should contact the local authority where the property is located. The authority should be able to carry out a more detailed search of the register, and if the landlord is not registered, can take the appropriate action.
The local authority can only withhold the above information from the register if it considers that releasing it might be likely to jeopardise either the safety and welfare of any person or the security of any premises. [3]
Making an application to your local authority
Prospective tenants can access more information about registered landlords by making an application to their local authority. However, the local authority will only disclose other information it holds on its register if it considers that it is reasonable to do so. [4]
Anyone who is either a tenant or a prospective tenant can now approach the local authority and ask for general advice in relation to the private landlord registration scheme. [5]
Last updated: 29 December 2014