Temporary Changes to Government Right to Rent Checks

Advice for landlords carrying out mandatory face-to-face right to rent checks during the coronavirus pandemic

Effective from 30 March, the government has issued temporary changes to the ways in which landlord right to rent checks can be carried out. The checks were introduced in 2014 and obligate landlords or their letting agent to verify a prospective tenant’s right to live in the UK. Documents provided as proof were required previously to be checked in-person.

Due to coronavirus lockdown measures and social distancing:

• checks can now be carried out over video calls

• tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals

• landlords should use the Landlord’s Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the existing documents

Using the submitted copies, it is possible to arrange a video call with your prospective tenant to confirm their original document matches both the digital copy as well as their physical likeness. A note should be made on the digital copy confirming that this adjusted procedure has taken place due to Covid-19 and the date that the video call and check was undertaken.

If you are buying a property that already has tenants, you will need proof that the previous landlord carried out the check. Landlords who do not carry out checks can be fined.

For more information, please refer to the guide below.