Temporary adjustments to end on right to rent checks
It is currently the case that the temporary adjustments to right to rent checks will end on 30 September 2022.
From 1 October 2022, landlords and agents will need to revert to return of face-to-face checks (which will still be permitted where someone shows eligible identification as a UK and Irish citizen) or be signed up to one of the service providers certified by the UK Government as a digital identity service provider.
Landlords will not though, need to carry out retrospective checks against those who they checked in line with the temporary adjustments between 30 March 2022 and 30 September 2022.
Checking Original Documents
Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).
Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK. You cannot accept biometric residence cards or permits. Ask the tenant for a share code instead.
Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.
Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.
Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.
Landlords or agents could be sent to prison for 5 years or get an unlimited fine for renting a property in England to someone who you knew or had “reasonable cause to believe” did not have the right to rent in the UK.
Landlords and agents can call the UK Government Landlords’ Helpline on 0300 790 6268 to get help with any checks. Further guidance is also available via the gov.uk website.
