Right to Rent

The Right to Rent scheme was introduced in the Immigration Act 2014.  It requires that landlords, letting agents or householders who are letting private rented property or taking in lodgers have to check that all tenants who occupy their properties have a legal status to live in the UK.

There are requirements in regards to property, such as whether private or social housing is being sublet.

As well as the landlord and letting agent checking the immigration status of the tenant(s), they also have to check anyone aged 18 or over who is part of the household.

The landlord or letting agent will need to see amongst other documents, photo ID. This can include a passport or driving licence.

Landlords can have penalties imposed on them for renting to someone who they knew or had 'reasonable cause to believe' did not have the right to rent in the UK.

The penalties could include 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine.