Right to Rent: Update

From 1 December 2014, the Home Office will pilot a scheme for landlords renting properties in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton should carry out “right to rent” checks for new tenancy agreements to determine whether tenants have the right to live in the UK legally.  The checks are straightforward and quick, but if landlords need
more information, they can go to gov.uk or call 0300 069 9799.

In most cases, landlords will simply need to check the tenant’s passport or biometric residents permit. For the majority of landlords it will take a matter of minutes and they won’t need to contact the Home Office.

In a limited number of cases, where tenants do not have their documents due to an ongoing Home Office application, landlords can request a check using the online form. The checking service will then provide a yes or no answer within 2 working days to confirm whether they can let to a particular tenant.

For further information please refer to our earlier article “Attention Residential Landlords”.