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March 29 2016

Right-to-Rent checks come into force

As part of the government's wider reforms to the immigration system, the Immigration Act 2014 (Commencement No.6) Order 2016 and the Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Requirements and Codes of Practice) (Amendment) Order 2016 are being brought into force on 1 February 2016 to ensure that only those with a legitimate right to be in the UK can rent property.
 
The scheme is intended to deter those without the right to live, work or study in the UK from staying here indefinitely. The scheme requires landlords, agents and householders renting out property to check, within 28 days before the start of a new tenancy, the immigration status of prospective tenants and other authorised occupiers aged 18 and over who will use the property as their only or main home to ascertain whether they have the right to be in the UK. With limited exceptions, this applies to both private and social housing and whether the tenancy|licence|subtenancy is written or oral.
 
Landlords who fail to check and are found to be letting property to, and anyone who sublets or allows lodging by, someone who has no right to stay in the UK could face financial penalties of up to £3,000 per tenant.