Right to Rent checks: 2022 changes

Did you know that there have been changes made to a landlords Right to Rent Checks since the 1st of October? Right to Rent checks which were adjusted over the pandemic period are now being revised, changed and updated.

Let’s take a look at what’s changed and how it impacts you as a landlord.

What are the Right to Rent checks’?

Whether you’re a landlord or letting agent, you’re legally required to check the immigration status of your prospective tenants. Tenants are asked to provide specific documentation such as visas and passports to help prove their Right to Rent.

Who has the right to rent in the UK?

Great question. Prospective tenants who have the right to rent in the UK are:

• British citizens
• Those with in date work visas
• Those with in date student visas
• Those with a ‘leave to remain in UK’ status
• Those with a ‘settled in UK’ status

How will Right to Rent checks changes impact landlords?

From the 1st October 2022 the Right to Rent identification checks are now being reversed.

Previously, the tenants were able to complete their checks by showing their documents via a zoom or web call. You could even send a photo of your ID via email as a form of documentation proof. This is not accepted any more.

Now that restrictions have been lifted and life returns to some sort of new normal, this practice has been overturned and considered obsolete.

Instead of electronically sharing individual documents, tenants will now be screened through the ‘Right To Rent Online Checking Service’ which allows landlords to digitally check the immigration status of your tenants before the tenancy begins.

You can check a tenants status by visiting the Gov UK Landlord Immigration Check

What is a share code for Right to Rent?

A share code is an identifier that allows landlords to see the immigration status of the prospective tenant by entering it into the Landlord Immigration Check.

The rental share code lasts for 90 days and can be emailed to the landlord once the tenant has applied for it.

Your tenant will need to have the following:

• A biometric residence card or permit
• A settled or pre-settled status
• Applied for a visa and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document on their phone

Can landlords check the Right to Rent documents in person?

Yes, you sure can. The documents that are currently a requirement for the Right to Rent are proof of your date of birth or one of these documents:

• Biometric residence permit
• Your biometric residence card
• Your passport
• Your national identity card

We hope we’ve provided some clarity on your responsibilities as a landlord on the Right to Rent checks. To discover more of our tips for landlords, visit our advice centre. We talk you through everything from legal issues to neighbourly disputes and much more.

Get in touch to get your insurance plan set up and ready for the next set of tenants in your rental property by giving us a call today.