Why we verify every landlord before issuing an address

Why do you check my identity before issuing an address?

A landlord address is where tenants, courts, councils and deposit schemes send letters that can matter a great deal. Everyone who relies on it needs to know it belongs to a real landlord who will receive what is sent there.

Checking identity first is what lets us keep your home address private without making you unreachable. It also stops the service being used by anyone trying to avoid legal process, which protects the address for every honest customer.

What do you check?

We confirm who you are and where you live. Your address and reference are only issued once both are confirmed. If you own property jointly each owner is checked.

How does the identity check work?

1. Apply online

   Tell us about yourself and the properties you let on our application form.

2. We email your check and payment link

   You get an email with your identity check and a link to pay for your first year.

3. We confirm who you are and where you live

   Checks may be electronic or a review of your documents by our staff. We tell you which one applies to you.

4. Your address is issued

   Once you are verified we issue your address and personal reference, with a section 48 notice already filled in for your tenants.

What documents will I need?

We confirm the exact documents we accept when you apply, so you know what to have ready before you start. Please do not send identity documents through our contact form. We tell you how to provide them as part of your check.

Do joint owners each need a check?

Yes. Joint owners of the same properties can share one plan and each owner is checked before the address is issued. That way every landlord a tenant might need to serve a notice on has been identified.

How long do you keep my identity documents?

No longer than we need them. Identity documents are kept in a secure store outside the website and staff access to them is limited and logged. They are deleted once they are no longer needed. Read how we protect your post, scans and ID and our privacy notice.

How does checking identity protect tenants and courts?

Tenants are entitled to an address in England and Wales where they can serve notices on their landlord, including notices in court proceedings. When that address is a Landlord Address, the notice goes to a named landlord whose identity we have confirmed. It is logged the day it arrives and flagged as legal post. The landlord is told the same working day.

Tenants, councils and courts can rely on the address, and there is a record of when each letter arrived.

What ends the service?

We end the service if it is used for fraud, to evade enforcement or legal process, or for any other misuse. We cooperate with lawful requests from courts and authorities. Read our acceptable use page and our terms of service.

Identity check questions

Can I get my address before my check is complete?

No. Your address and reference are only issued once your identity check is complete.

Can a limited company be checked?

Not yet. We serve individual landlords and joint owners at the moment. Companies can join the waiting list through our address check.

I live abroad. Can I still apply?

Yes, if your rental property is in England. Read about addresses for overseas landlords.