From today the Right To Rent (RTR) process is changing.
In future all digital checks must be carried out through a registered Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP).
Checks carried out by non-registered providers will no longer offer statutory defence against civil penalties.
IDVT is a government-approved process using biometrics, passport chip data and police database analysis to confirm a tenant’s identity.
Failing to conduct proper RTR checks can result in landlords or agents being hit with fines of up to £20,000 per property occupier.
There’s also an updated code of practice for RTR. This code sets out:
- Which tenancies are subject to the Scheme;
- Who may occupy residential accommodation;
- How landlords and their agents can establish and retain a statutory excuse against liability for a civil penalty; and
- How compliance with the Scheme will be considered where a breach is identified.
The update comes as tenancy fraud in the UK continues to escalate.
A Goodlord analysis found that tenancy fraud is exposing the private rented sector to up to £4.1 billion in financial losses every year, with incidents of suspected tenancy fraud rising by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The full Right To Rent process is set out in detail by the Home Office here: https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
