A leaseholder is entitled to know the identity of their landlord. A request in writing can be made to the person who demands rent, or the person who last received rent, or the person who acts as the landlord’s agent. The person receiving the request must supply the leaseholder with a written statement of the landlord’s name and address within the period of 21 days, beginning with the day on which they receive the request.
If it appears the landlord is a company, then a leaseholder can make a written request to the landlord, the agent of the landlord, or the person who demands the rent, requesting the name and address of every director and of its secretary. The landlord must supply the leaseholder with a written statement of the information requested within the period of 21 days, beginning with the day on which they receive the request.
Failure to disclose the landlord’s identity or disclosure of directors, etc. of a corporate landlord
Where a landlord fails without reasonable excuse to comply with either a request for disclosure of the landlord’s identity or a request for disclosure of directors etc of a corporate landlord, they commit a summary offence on conviction, and are liable for a fine of up to £2,500 (level 4 on the standard scale of fines for summary offences). The local housing authority has the power to bring proceedings, or they can be brought by the leaseholder. Local authorities are exempt from prosecution, but not Housing Associations.
You can also contact the Land Registry to find out who the registered freeholder is, and if necessary obtain a copy of the freehold title register, for a small fee.
Furthermore, Companies House makes available free of charge all public digital data held on the UK register of companies. This includes overviews of the company and information about company officers.
Still not found the answer?
Contact LEASE to have your enquiry dealt with by one of our experienced advisers
