Right to Rent Coronavirus Rules Extended

In England, since 30 March 2020, the right to rent guidance has been amended to allow checks to be carried out in ways other than face-to-face.

The guidance has been further extended until 30 September 2022. From 1 October 2022, checks will revert to pre-pandemic rules (unless extended again).

 The following changes apply until 30 September 2022 (inclusive): 

  • checks can be carried out over video calls
  • tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app rather than sending originals
  • landlords should use the Landlord Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the accepted documents

Checks continue to be necessary, and you must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in Landlords Guide to Right to Rent or use the Home Office right to rent online service.

For the complete temporary Coronavirus guidance, please see here.

There is no requirement to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 30 September 2022 (inclusive).

 

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Immigration Act and Right to Rent

All landlords and agents need to check the identity of all prospective occupiers. Copies of the documents obtained will need to be securely stored. Landlords and agents must not authorise an adult to occupy a property where the adult is not a national of the UK and Colonies or Republic of Ireland, AND who does not have the right to enter or remain in the UK unless the prescribed requirements have been complied with.