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Written by Emma Lunn

The Government has issued guidance for landlords affected by the introduction of right-to-rent immigration checks.

The new code of practice is available on the Government website. It explains:

• if your property is affected
• if any exemptions apply
• how to carry out a right-to-rent check
• what documents individuals can show you as evidence of their right-to-rent
• when and how to request a right-to-rent check from the Home Office

From 1 December 2014, some landlords will need to check that someone has the right to live in the UK before letting a property to them. This includes landlords who take in lodgers or sub-let property.

In most cases you’ll be able to carry out the checks without contacting the Home Office. All you need to do is check evidence of a person’s identity and citizenship, for example a passport or biometric residence permit.

During the pilot phase the right-to-rent checks only apply to:

• landlords in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton
• all adults aged 18 and over living at the property
• new tenancy agreements starting on or after 1 December 2014

If you let a property after this date to someone who doesn’t have the right to rent, you could be fined up to £3,000.

If you need more help, call the Government landlords helpline on 0300 069 9799

 

Comments

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    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-rent-immigration-checks-landlords-code-of-practice

    • 22 October 2014 11:19 AM
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    The link takes you to a blank page!

    A question raised before on this issue is how do we spot fake documents? There are many more competent official bodies who find this difficult so will the Landlord be held responsible if he has accepted such fakes?

    Secondly do we need to check everyone? Many British citizens do not have ID. They do not have a passport or a driving licence so would not be able to offer the proof the government is asking for. I have foreign national tenants who speak better English than many of my British - At least I think they are British(!) - tenants. If I am not required to check everyone and I ask a black or Asian British citizen for the required identity (Possibly because they speak little or no English) can I be accused of discrimination?

    • 22 October 2014 10:30 AM
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