Using electronic addresses
As a landlord you will be able give notices and documents by an electronic address if your tenants provided one as an address for service in the tenancy agreement.
An electronic address is:
- an email address
- a fax number
- a mobile telephone number
- an instant messaging account.
If you apply for a mediation or to the Tenancy Tribunal an email address listed as an address for service can be used for up to two years after the tenancy has ended.
Smoking bans
From 20 March 2025, you can ban smoking indoors as part of a tenancy agreement. The Tenancy Tribunal will be able to enforce the ban.
If you want to ban smoking anywhere else on the property (including outbuildings), you need to make sure the ban is consistent with your tenant’s rights and responsibilities. For example, your tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment.
Attending Tenancy Tribunal hearings
If you apply to the Tenancy Tribunal, it’s possible that you won’t have to attend any hearings in person. They may be able to make a ruling based on your application, including any supporting documents.
This won’t apply to applications about terminating a tenancy, or a landlord’s right of entry to the premises or a boarding room. You’ll still need to attend in person for those hearings.