Hi,
The Government has updated the Right to Rent advice:
This update replaces previous guidance issued on 18 June 2021.
The end date for the temporary adjusted checks has now been deferred to 5 April 2022 (inclusive). We have made the decision to defer the date following the positive feedback we received about the ability to conduct checks remotely. We initiated a review of the availability of specialist technology to support a system of digital right to rent checks in the future. The intention is to introduce a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including the UK and Irish citizens. This will enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security.
Deferring the end date of the adjusted checks to 5 April 2022 ensures the Right to Rent Scheme continues to operate in a manner that supports landlords and letting agents, whilst we look to implement a long-term, post-pandemic solution.
Updated advice for landlords carrying out right to rent checks during the temporary COVID-19 measures
The following temporary changes were made on 30 March 2020 and remain in place until 5 April 2022 (inclusive):
- checks can currently be carried out over video calls
- tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals
- landlords should use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the accepted documents
Checks continue to be necessary and you must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in Landlords Guide to Right to Rent or use the Home Office right to rent online service.
It remains an offence to knowingly rent to a person who does not have the right to rent in England.
Checking an individual’s right to rent during the temporary COVID-19 measures
Up to and including 5 April 2022, if you are carrying out a temporary adjusted check, you must:
- ask the tenant to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app
- arrange a video call with the tenant – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents
- record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”
- if the tenant has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system you can use the online right to rent service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details
The British Landlord Association
Legal Team
01293 855700
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