If your tenancy agreement names multiple individuals as 'joint tenants', specific rules apply when serving eviction notices.
The General Rule: You must serve the notice on all individuals named as joint tenants on the agreement. Serving only one tenant is usually insufficient and can invalidate the notice.
Why? Joint tenants have shared rights and responsibilities under one single tenancy agreement. The notice needs to legally address the tenancy as a whole, which involves formally notifying everyone who is party to that agreement.
How to Serve:
- Use the same methods as for single tenants (personal service, leaving at property, post - see post #5).
- Address the notice to all named joint tenants.
- Ideally, deliver separate copies addressed to each individual tenant, or one copy clearly addressed to all. Ensure you have proof of service covering all tenants (e.g., witness statement confirming delivery addressed to all, or individual service proof for each).
- Check your tenancy agreement: Does it contain any specific clauses about how notices should be served on joint tenants (though statutory requirements usually prevail)?
Takeaway: Don't cut corners. Identify all joint tenants and ensure your service method covers every named individual to avoid procedural failure.
