One month to go before “right to rent” rules go live

Landlords in England are being reminded that there is only one month to go until “right to rent” goes live as part of a new law.

The new law means that from 1 February 2016, landlords will have to carry out quick and simple checks to ensure tenants have the right to rent property in the UK.

Landlords can start to carry out the checks, which can be done 28 days before the start of the tenancy.

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said: “Ahead of the scheme’s roll out, we have been working very closely with an expert panel to make sure their feedback is taken on board and to design a scheme that is as simple and light touch as possible. Many responsible landlords have already been undertaking similar checks – these are straightforward and do not require any specialist knowledge”.

Right to rent is part of the government’s wider reforms to the immigration system to make it stronger, fairer and more effective. The scheme is focused on deterring those without the right to live, work or study in the UK from staying here indefinitely.

The scheme was first introduced in late 2014 in parts of the West Midlands and then extended as part of the next phase of a UK Wide roll out.

A fine of £3,000 per tenant can be charged to landlords or anyone who sublets or takes in lodgers if they are found to be letting property to someone who has no right to stay in the UK.

The government has been working with an expert consultative panel, which includes trade bodies, local authorities and charities, to listen to feedback from the first phase of the scheme. The panel has advised on an updated landlord’s code of practice which includes changes to the acceptable document list to make it even simpler to conduct a check.

Sandwell, along with other West Midlands local authorities, had a key role during the first phase of right to rent, working closely with landlords across the borough.

The panel includes Stephen Gabriel, Strategic Manager, Homes and Communities, from Sandwell Council said: “In October 2015 we held our third annual landlord conference with over 400 West Midlands private landlords, estate and letting agents in attendance. right to rent was high on the agenda and people were keen to share their experiences of getting up to speed with the new rules. We were pleased to hear that many landlords felt carrying out checks was good practice, and that the new system was simple and easy to follow.”

 

 

 

 

The post One month to go before “right to rent” rules go live appeared first on UK Construction Online.