You've received a notification that your landlord has legally changed their name, perhaps due to marriage, divorce, or personal choice via Deed Poll. Does this mean your tenancy agreement is suddenly void?
Relax – your tenancy agreement remains valid. The agreement is tied to the property and the individuals fulfilling the roles of 'landlord' and 'tenant', regardless of a name change. The core terms, rent, duration, and responsibilities outlined in the agreement continue as before.
What Should Happen:
- Notification: Your landlord (or their agent) has a responsibility to inform you of their legal name change in writing. They should ideally provide evidence, such as a copy of the relevant document (like a Deed Poll or marriage certificate).
- Documentation Update: While the original agreement is valid, it's good practice to formally document the landlord's name change. This is typically done via a simple Addendum or written notice that acknowledges the landlord's new name and links it back to the original agreement. This avoids confusion in future communications or if legal issues arise.
- Deposit Protection: Your landlord must update their details with the tenancy deposit protection scheme. Ensure they confirm this has been done, as mismatched names can complicate the deposit return process.
- Landlord Registration (Scotland): If the property is in Scotland, the landlord must also update their details on the Scottish Landlord Register.
Your rights and obligations under the tenancy agreement do not change simply because your landlord has changed their name. However, ensuring the change is formally acknowledged and deposit details are updated is important for clear communication and smooth processes.
