When should we apply?

Generally, at Building Control Application stage. Utility companies are reluctant to install services without an official postal address and allocated postcode.

Problems can arise if purchasers have brought properties which have been marketed and sold under an unofficial name and legal documentation such as Title Deeds has already been drafted.

Can I add a name to my house number?

Yes. Complete the on-line application form and submit it with the fee. If you are not the property owner, you will need to gain their consent first. The Council will record the name as well as the number.

Can I change the name of my house?

Yes. Complete the appropriate form and submit it with the fee. If you are not the property owner, you will need to gain their consent first.

Can I change the name of a property before I move in?

A name change cannot take place until you are the owner of the property. However, you may register the change in advance to take place on an agreed date.

Can I change the number of my house?

The Council only considers renumbering properties when new developments render the existing numbering scheme untenable. The right to allocate property numbers lies entirely with the council (Town Improvement Clauses Act 1847).

Can I change the name of my street?

Street names are only changed when there is clear evidence of a problem with properties not being found by emergency services. See Section 7 for more details.

Who is responsible for my address?

The property owner is responsible for the building name. Warwick District Council is responsible for the property number, street name, and the locality and town (recorded to BS7666 standard). Royal Mail are responsible for the postcode, post town and post locality.

How do I check my postal address?

The Royal Mail website gives all active postal addresses in their correct form.

I have a new property which has been registered with the Council, but Royal Mail doesn’t show

my address on their website. How can this be added?

It is important that you contact Royal Mail upon occupation to activate the address (Tel: 03456 011 110 followed by Option 3 and then option 1)

My address is not being shown correctly. Can you correct this?

If there has been an error in recording the name, number, street, or post code of your property, we will correct it and pass the corrections to Royal Mail. There is no charge for this service. Note that if Royal Mail corrects a street in an address, they may alter the postcode of the property.

However, if either the postal address or the BS7666 address differs from the one you customarily use, the Council or Royal Mail will not change it. Other forms of an address may exist (such as that on title deeds or held by third party databases) but have no legal standing.

I have a property name and number; can I use the name instead of the number?

No, the property number is the primary address; the name is regarded as an alias and must be used in conjunction with the number. The name cannot be used instead of the number.

Why do you charge for street naming and property numbering services?

We charge for the discretionary services that we provide on a 'not for profit' basis in line with other local authorities. The fees charged are on a cost recovery basis only.

How long does it take to allocate an address?

Once payment has been received, we will aim to complete your request within 10 working days.

Do I have to pay each time I want to update the name or is it a standard one-off fee?

Yes, the fee will be due each time a property is renamed.

I have a query regarding the delivery of mail, who can help with this?

Visit the Royal Mail website for queries regarding delivery of mail.

Who do you notify of my new or amended address?

The Council will notify interested internal and external parties including the Royal Mail, emergency services, public utilities companies, national land and property gazetteer and other government departments.

What will happen if I decide not to use your service to allocate an address to my property or development?

Failure to do this will mean that emergency services will not be informed of any addressing changes. Royal Mail will not assign a post code until the Council has notified them of the official address.

Furthermore, it is likely to mean that the address will experience difficulties in obtaining utility services, receiving mail and ordering from internet-based companies.