Hello readers,

It’s good news for Ashford buy-to-let landlords as the Government has recently announced that right to rent checks for UK and Irish citizens from 6^th April 2022.

This change means that tenants will be able to verify their identity remotely as well as proving their eligibility to rent. This process really is a game-changer and will revolutionise the way that documentation is checked as landlords will not be required to check and record copies of original documentation.

This process not only speeds up the verifications process for new tenants; it gives landlords more certainty as they are not expected to be experts in immigration law. This is because tenants will be able to upload their documentation to an Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) system and by using this system, landlords can secure an excuse against a statutory penalty by recording the outcome.

This is a relatively groundbreaking process as it is currently used by overseas nationals, who are issued with a share code that can be used to carry out real-time checks using Home Office systems.

Whilst this was the case for overseas nationals, UK & Irish citizens needed to complete document checks directly with the letting agent or landlord. This was able to be done over video call during COVID-19, however now restrictions are lifting a consultation has highlighted that it was not robust enough and the new system is being rolled in.

I personally think that this is very good news for self-managing landlords in particular, as with the growing amount of legislation that needs to be met it is certainly one less risk of tripping up!

The risk of renting to a tenant who does not have a right to rent in the UK is significant. For example, government guidance states that you could be sent to prison for five years or get an unlimited fine for renting a property in England to someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to rent in the UK.

If you recall, there was a big uproar when the Right to Rent checks were originally introduced in 2014 as it did not go down well how the Government was seen to be requiring landlords to act as ‘informal immigration gateways’.

It’s largely because of this that the change from April really is a BIG DEAL for the private rental sector… the Government has actually made it EASIER for landlords to meet the requirements by providing a statutory excuse! Pardon the sarcasm, but that’s surely got to be a first!

I’d be keen to hear what you think about this change? I’ve heard nothing but positive news! The best way to reach out to me is via LinkedIn.

Hasan