The right to rent guidance “The right to rent checks: A user guide” which is suitable for landlords and tenants in England has once again been updated.
There are a lot of changes to this document from the last document that was released in July 2021. The document is now a lot clearer on what documents are acceptable for a right to rent check and how a landlord or agent can check the documents either by viewing the prospective tenants right to rent status via a share code or, using the landlord checking service where an application or appeal is outstanding, with added links and contact information.
You can still use the Covid 19 temporary measures when checking a right to rent document up until 5 April 2022 by taking the following steps:
- 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
You can find more information about right to rent on the .gov website here.
We have more information about Right to Rent and Immigration Act here.
