Landlords face new right to rent checks

Private landlords will have to carry out right to rent checks on prospective tenants and other authorised occupiers when granting a tenancy.

According to new legislation starting on 1 February 2016, landlords will now have to make new checks on prospective tenants.

The Immigration Act 2014 prohibits private landlords of residential property from allowing certain people to occupy those properties. The prohibition is based on the immigration status of the occupiers.

Landlords and agents will have to check the nationalities and immigration status of prospective tenants and other authorised occupiers before granting a tenancy.

Landlords must also make sure that someone’s right to occupy the premises does not lapse. Breaching the prohibition could lead to a civil penalty of up to £3,000.