Right to Rent checks continue remotely

News at Howard Independent Estate Agents | 27/08/2021

The Home Office has confirmed the temporary adjustments to Right to Rent checks due to COVID-19, will now continue through to 5 April 2022.

Landlords and agents will need to revert to in-person Right to Rent checks as per the Code of Practice thereafter. The only exception to this will be applicants with a Home Office status who offer a digital share code.

The UK Government had originally stated the adjusted check period would end 16 May 2021, which was subsequently pushed back to 20 June 2021, then 31 August 2021. They have now announced a further extension to the Covid adjusted checks up to 5th April 2022 as follows:

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
However, the government also stated: "landlords should ensure the security & integrity of their right to rent checks. You may wish to consider if there are opportunities to safely carry out standard right to rent checks as set out in the right to rent code of practice and the landlord’s guide in advance of the temporary measures coming to an end.

A list of acceptable prescribed documents is set out in the Landlords Guide to Right to Rent. Landlords and agents can also use the online right to rent checking service.

The government have advised some individuals may struggle to show evidence of their right to rent in England, due to the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, a tenant must not be discriminated against because they are unable to show their documents. More information can be found in the code of practice for landlords: Avoiding unlawful discrimination when conducting ‘right to rent’ checks in the private rented residential sector.

Other articles:
18/06/2021 - Change to start date for 'In Person' Right to Rent checks
16/06/2021 -Changes to Right to Rent checks from 1 July

Howard Estate Agents