New provisions will require landlords (and by implication, agents) to carry out immigration checks on all tenancies starting after the introduction date. The pilot areas are Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton. A nationwide introduction date has not yet been set, however rollout to the Waveney Valley area is expected imminently.
The new rules require landlords to check the immigration status of all new tenants. The new rules will affect you if you are:
• Renting out accommodation for people to live anywhere in the UK (including taking in a lodger)
• A letting agent who provides a service for landlords by finding people to live in rented property
• A hotel or guest house, or provider of similar accommodation and you take in guests who stay for three months or more.
Responsibility for completing the checking process will primarily lie with the landlord unless.jpg)
this responsibility has been transferred to a letting agent – which must be agreed in writing.
Penalties: Where a landlord has authorised an adult to occupy a property without a legal ‘right to rent’, he may be subject to a penalty of up to £3,000 for any breach under the Act – so it is something that agents will be advised to get familiar with in plenty of time.
For further guidance on what your responsibilities include, please see the following Government website:
Olivers has systems in place to ensure that Right to rent checks are carried out where required. Should you require any assistance on this matter please contact our Beccles office on 01502 470 193 or info@olivers.co.uk for more information.
