A Property Consultant has criticised the government's Right to Rent immigration checks that all lettings agents and landlords have to adhere to. They say the checks are far too complex and defeats the object of providing any form of prevention of blocking illegal immigrants from renting homes.

This October sees the legislation coming into force and all lettings agents and landlords must check any new tenant's "right to stay" in the country, before being considered for a tenancy agreement.

Simon Perkins a partner in the property consultants, believes that border agency officials are having difficulties in delaying with visas, passports and permits which begs the question, how will landlords and letting agents cope with trying to understand the complexities ?

Besides virtually becoming unpaid outreach workers for the Border Control Agency they run the risk of being fined several thousand pounds if they make errors and mistakes.

Perkins said:“There is huge concern against letting agents and landlords, that many will not be equipped to correctly interpret the complex documents that even border officials have difficulties understanding.

“Some cost is also likely to be involved in checking, recording and filing the details and this will fall on property professionals as well.”

The new legislation rules that anyone renting out a home must check the tenant’s Right to Rent and it affects:

Buy to let and homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) landlords
Homeowners taking in lodgers under the Rent A Room Scheme
Letting agents

The government is providing online guidance and example documents which will be freely available to help the Industry's professionals check any person's residency status.

The government is implementing the process as it says the reason why illegal immigrants outstay their welcome when their visa's expires, is because they find accommodation and having the Right to Rent rules will mean that they will have to leave Britain.

A government representative said: “Employers have carried out similar checks for some years without any problem and we are merely extending the practice,”

 

PIMS Comment

• Vetting is common sense - and there are no excuses not to check ID and do a credit check - especially considering they are FREE for PIMS Members
• see WHAT ARE THE ISSUES / PENALTIES RENTING TO ILLEGAL IMIGRANTS? The responsibility will be put on Landlords check the immigration status of migrants who apply for a tenancy. If it transpires the Landlord is letting to persons without appropriate permission to live AND work in the UK then the consequences could be dire read more