‘Right to rent’ checks on the way?

From 1 December 2014, some landlords will need to check that someone has the right to live in the UK before letting a property to them. This includes landlords who take in lodgers or sub-let property.

In most cases you’ll be able to carry out the checks without contacting the Home Office. All you need to do is check evidence of a person’s identity and citizenship, for example a passport or biometric residence permit.

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The right to rent checks currently only apply to:

• landlords, homeowners and letting agents in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton
• all adults aged 18 and over living at the property
• new tenancy agreements starting on or after 1 December 2014

If you let a property after this date to someone who doesn’t have the right to rent, you could be fined up to £3,000.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-rent-landlords-code-of-practice

With this process likely to rolled nationwide in the near future we’d love to know your thoughts and opinions on this matter.

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