News

Following feedback from letting agents and landlords, the temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to rent checks will now end on 20 June 2021 and not 16 May 2021 as originally announced.

From 21 June 2021 landlords will revert to face to face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance. This is aligned with the easing of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures set out in the Government’s roadmap for England.

Important points to note:

• From 21 June 2021, you must check the prescribed documents as set out in the right to rent code of practice and the landlord’s guide  This means that when carrying out a document check you must be in possession of the original documents.  You can no longer accept a scanned copy or a photo of original documents, as this will not provide you with a defence against a civil penalty.
• Alternatively, where applicable you can use the Home Office online right to rent service via https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-rent, which does not require you to see or check the individual’s physical documents.  You can carry out a check via video call using this service as right to rent information is provided in real time direct from Home Office systems – the tenant must give you permission to view their details in the form of a share code.
  This service can be used by those with a current Biometric Residence Permit or Card, status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or the points-based immigration system.
• Landlords cannot insist individuals use this service or discriminate against those who choose to use their documents to prove their right to rent.
• The Home Office has reviewed the adjusted checks procedure and decided to remove the requirement to conduct a retrospective check. This means there is no requirement to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 20 June 2021 (inclusive).
• You will maintain a defence against a civil penalty if the check you have undertaken during this period was done in the prescribed standard manner or as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance.  However, any individual identified with no lawful immigration status in the UK may be liable to enforcement action.
• Queries about the Right to Rent Scheme can be sent to  RighttoRentandRighttoWork@homeoffice.gov.uk

Q&A 

• Why are you ending the temporary adjusted right to rent checks from 21 June, rather than 17 May?

We have received feedback which indicates that more time is required for landlords to adjust to the end of social distancing measures.  Therefore, we have taken the decision to push back the date for physical document checks to resume from 21 June.

The ending of the COVID-19 adjusted right to rent checks on 21 June follows the Government’s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions in England.  Further information about working safely during COVID-19 can be found below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus-covid-19|a|nbsp;

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres

• Will I be liable for civil penalty if I have only undertaken an adjusted check? 

You will maintain a defence against a civil penalty if the check you have undertaken between 30 March 2020 and 20 June 2021 (inclusive) was carried out in the prescribed manner or as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks

Should a tenant with a time-limited right to rent require a follow-up check after 20 June 2021, you must ensure the follow-up check is undertaken as set out in the right to rent code of practice and the landlords guide to right to rent checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/landlords-immigration-right-to-rent-checks

• Can I carry out an adjusted check on a tenant before 20 June if their tenancy begins on or after 21 June 2021? 

Yes – the temporary adjustments to right to rent checks will remain in place until 20 June. However, landlords should ensure the security & integrity of their right to rent checks. You may wish to consider if there are opportunities to safely carry out standard right to rent checks as set out in the right to rent code of practice and the landlord’s guide in advance of the temporary measures coming to an end. Particularly where a tenancy agreement does not start until on or after the 21 June 2021.

• What if my tenant does not have any or current documentation? 

You should use the Landlord Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any prescribed documents.  This is available at: https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/lcs-application.ofml

During this difficult time, you must take extra care not to draw conclusions about an individual’s right to rent.

• Does the criminal offence remain in force? 

It remains an offence to knowingly let property to an illegal migrant.