Right to rent changes and how they might affect you

13th July 2022

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As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure you only let your property to those with lawful immigration status. If you are found to have rented to someone who does not have a right to rent you could receive a serious penalty.

Fortunately, Right to Rent checks make checking statuses achievable, keeping your conscience clear and ensuring you are operating within the law. Plus, if you rent to someone who does not have the correct status, but have carried out the checks correctly, you will most likely avoid a penalty.

It’s important to keep up to date with any changes to Right to Rent so that you follow procedure accordingly. Following changes implemented in April 2022, we’ve put together a quick guide to what you need to know…

You can slo read the guide from Home Office here.

Changes to Right to Rent checks during the pandemic

Everyone was doing their best to avoid unnecessary physical contact during the pandemic and this meant changes to how properties were let and Right to Rent checks procedure. For example, tenants were allowed to show their documents over video and use scanned copies instead of originals with agents and landlords.

An online Right to Rent service was also established, further reducing physical contact.

Some of the changes were deemed to be more efficient and user friendly, and new rules incorporating them have now been in effect since 6^th April 2022.

New rules: Right to Rent UK

The following is a brief outline of the changes to Right to Rent checks that you should be aware of as a landlord:

1. Using the online service, some residents will need to fill out a Home Office form instead of manually presenting their ID.
2. Once the form is completed, prospective renters can give their landlords a ‘share code’ to the Right to Rent Online Checking Service so that they can check their residency status in England.

These changes make the process more streamlined, secure and with less contact by eliminating the need to present physical documents.

Who uses the new system?

This new online system only applies if the renter has a biometric residence permit card or other digital proof of residential status. However, UK nationals can make use of the system if they prefer. Many like the new, digital method as it is more secure.

Checking British and Irish citizens

In addition to the service above, landlords can now use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) for renters from Britain and Ireland. This system carries out digital checks on behalf of those who hold a valid passport or Irish passport card.

Get in touch

Any changes to rules and procedure can be daunting but we’re here to help.

At Charters, we’ve been supporting landlords and tenants for years through the Right to Rent and whole letting procedure. If you have any questions or would like us to guide you through the process, please get in touch. Our experienced, professional team will be happy to help.