“Be Prepared” for “Right-to-Rent”
Under one month to go before the new law comes into force that will mean landlords must carry out status checks on tenants, Right-to-Rent regulations will be intoduced on the 1st February as a control on those who do not have the right of abode (illegal immigrants)
Landlords will be required to carry out quick and simple checks on everybody applying to rent, such reviews can be done from 28 days before the start of a tenancy agreement.
James Brokenshire, Immigration Minister reportedly said: “Landlords with property in England need to prepare now for the new Right to Rent scheme to ensure they are ready for February 1. Ahead of the scheme’s roll out, we have been working closely with an expert panel to make sure their feedback is taken on board and to design a scheme that is as simple and light touch as possible. Many responsible landlords have already been undertaking similar checks – these are straightforward and do not require any specialist knowledge.
“Right to Rent is part of the Government’s wider reforms to the immigration system to make it stronger, fairer and more effective. Those with a legitimate right to be here will be able to prove this easily and will not be adversely affected. The scheme is about deterring those without the right to live, work or study in the UK from staying here indefinitely.”
Assistance is available online on GOV.uk which landlords can use to guide them through the process, and also to request a check on anyone who has an outstanding case with the Home Office.
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