Changes to Right to Rent checks from 6th April 2022:
The UK Government’s change to Right to Rent checks has resulted in plants to digitalise the immigration system with legislative changes coming into force on 6th April 2022. This will impact how letting agents and Landlords in England conduct Right to Rent checks.
The temporary adjustments to Right to Rent checks due to the pandemic can still be used up to and including 30th September 2022.
End of physical checks for biometric card holders
From 6th April 2022, all biometric card holders will have to evidence their right to rent using the Home Office online service only. Landlords and Lettings agents will no longer be able to accept physical cards for the purposes of a right to rent check even if the biometric card shows a later expiry date.
Landlords do not need to undertake retrospective checks where tenants before 6th April evidenced their Right to Rent with a physical card and will continue to have a statutory excuse where checks were carried out in line with guidance at that time.
Introduction of digital checks for UK and Irish passport holders
Separately, from 6th April the Government will allow digital checks for UK and Irish citizens who are not able to be checked via the Home Office online service. Landlords will soon be able to use Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) from an identity service provider (IDSP) to undertake checks where the tenants hold a valid British or Irish passport (or Irish passport card). Landlords must also provide alternative ways to prove their right to rent and should carry out a physical check if needed, so they do not discriminate against those who do not hold passports.