From 1st October changes to the way landlords carry out Right to Rent checks will come into force making it even more important to ensure compliance with ever evolving legislation.
All landlords in England are legally required to check that every tenant aged 18 or over has the legal right to rent before a tenancy begins. Failing to carry out these checks correctly can result in significant penalties including substantial fines and in the most serious cases criminal prosecution.
What’s changing?
The Government is introducing new rules around digital Right to Rent checks.
Landlords who choose to verify a tenant’s identity electronically will now be required to use a registered Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP).
This change aims to improve the accuracy and security of digital identity checks while supporting the Government’s move towards a fully digital immigration system.
Landlords can still choose from three approved methods when carrying out Right to Rent checks:
- Manual checks using original identity documents.
- The Home Office online Right to Rent service for eligible tenants.
- Digital identity checks through a registered Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP).
As more tenants move to digital immigration records including eVisas understanding which checking method is appropriate will become increasingly important.
Why this matters for landlords?
Legislation affecting the private rented sector continues to evolve with new compliance requirements being introduced on a regular basis.
Keeping up with these changes isn’t simply good practice it’s essential for protecting your investment and avoiding costly mistakes.
Whether it’s Right to Rent, deposit protection, licensing requirements, electrical safety, gas safety or the upcoming Renters’ Rights reforms landlords are expected to remain fully compliant throughout every tenancy.
Chris Browne, Managing Director, Horizon Lets:
“This is another example of increasing regulation affecting landlords. With compliance requirements continuing to grow it’s more important than ever to have a professional managing agent looking after your portfolio and protecting your interests. Our role is to ensure landlords stay compliant with ever changing legislation giving them confidence that their properties are being managed correctly.”
— Chris Browne, Director, Horizon Lets
At Horizon Lets we stay on top of the latest legislative changes so our landlords don’t have to. Our experienced property management team ensures all compliance requirements are met allowing landlords to focus on growing their investments with confidence.
For more information on the updated Right to Rent requirements you can read the official Government guidance published on the official government website before the new rules take effect on 1st October.
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