RIGHT TO RENT CHECKS NOW COMPULSORY

All private landlords in England now have to check their tenant has the right to be in the UK before renting a property to them.

Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

The Government has made it compulsory for all private landlords to check the legal immigration status of all tenants. This new set of rules - called Right to Rent - is designed to ensure that lets are only agreed with tenants who have a legal right to be in the UK.

The new rules now apply to landlords and to those who sublet or take in lodgers. The checks are designed to be quick and simple.

There are 4 steps involved in making a Right to Rent check:-

• Ask which adults will live in the property and if it will be their main or only residence
• Ask the tenants for original copies of the paperwork that shows they have a right to live in the UK
• Check the documents are valid with the tenant present
• Make and keep copies of the documents, and record the date the checks were made

The items of paperwork that should be requested include:-

• A UK passport
• A European Economic Area passport or identity card
• A permanent residence card or travel document showing indefinite leave to remain
• A Home Office immigration status document
• • A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

We are here to help landlords with the new Right to Rent checks, so just ask our Letting Consultants if you’re unsure of any aspect.