Landlords To Check Tenants’ Citizenships

You will be well aware of the focus the UK Government is placing on identifying and removing illegal immigrants from our shores. On a frequent basis, we hear about another batch of such people being caught in the back of a lorry trying to gain access to the UK mainland.

Despite the valiant attempts made by those responsible to stop illegal immigrants taking up occupancy here, there are some that still get through the various rigorous security checks. Presumably, few come to the UK with sufficient funds to purchase a property so the majority no doubt often end up in some form of rented accommodation.

Well, as a landlord you will be interested to read that the first phase of what is called the “right to rent” scheme is being introduced on the 1st December 2014. It applies to those privately renting out their investment properties in the Black Country and Birmingham.

Such landlords will be required to check their tenant’s citizenship and identity by examining a biometric residence permit or passport and retain a copy for a year. This scheme has been introduced to create what is being called a “hostile environment” for illegal immigrants.

This new system should not be taken lightly by landlords in the West Midlands as they could face a fine of as much as £3,000 if they do not carry out the above checks on prospective new tenants. The only new tenants that do not need to be checked in this way are the likes of immediate family members, those under 18 years of age and those in local authority housing, refuges, hostels and students nominated by colleges.

For their part, the Home Office has confirmed that it will reply within 48 hours to landlords checking the status of new tenants that have appeals and immigration applications pending. It is expected that such checks will be gradually brought into other parts of the UK in 2015.

We would welcome any comments from our landlord clients in respect of the above i.e. do you feel that it is right that you should have this requirement placed firmly on your shoulders.