Coronavirus - Right to rent checks

Temporary changes have been made to Right to Rent Checks which can still be undertaken during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Guidance has been issued by the Government, a copy of which can be viewed here.   Adjustments have been made to facilitate a landlord’s ability to undertake Right to Rent Checks.  Rather than a landlord meeting prospective tenants in person a landlord can undertake checks by way of video call.  Landlords can also ask the prospective tenant to submit a scanned copy or photograph of the documents to be checked.   Landlords are advised to use the Landlord’s Checking Service where any tenant cannot provide documents from the usual prescribed list.   These relaxed measures are in force during the restrictive measures applied by the Government during the pandemic.  Landlords must then undertake retrospective Right to Rent Checks within 8 weeks of the Coronavirus measures ending.  Landlords must ensure that they keep records of both the original and retrospective checks.  

If original documents were viewed prior to the start of the tenancy, no retrospective check is required. However if upon undertaking a retrospective check it is found that the tenant did not have a right to rent, the tenancy must be ended, If it is found, upon a retrospective check, that the tenant no longer has a right to rent, the Home Office must be informed immediately.    While professional care and attention has been taken in preparation of these articles, neither Bury & Walkers LLP or the authors will be held responsible for any errors contained herein, or for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission in the articles and material. While we want you to make best use of the articles, we also need to protect our copyright. Therefore no part of these articles may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission of Bury & Walkers LLP