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What is Section 48 notice?
Last verified 31 October 2026
A section 48 notice is a landlord's notice giving the tenant an address in England or Wales where notices, including court notices, can be served on the landlord. It comes from section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
Why it matters to landlords
If a landlord does not give the address, the legislation treats any rent, service charge or administration charge that would otherwise be owed as not due until the landlord complies. That can mean arrears are not owed for the period before the address is given. The only exception is while a court or tribunal has appointed a receiver or manager who collects those payments from the tenant.
The address must be in England or Wales, even if you live elsewhere, for example abroad. Put it in the tenancy agreement or in a separate dated letter, and keep a copy. Landlords who live overseas or use a managing agent should make sure the address is one where post is actually picked up.
Example
Nadia lives in Portugal and lets her house in Bristol. Her tenancy documents never gave an address for service in England or Wales. In March 2027 she sends the tenants a dated letter giving her agent's Bristol office address. Rent is treated as not due for the period before that letter, so she checks her records before chasing arrears.