Landlords are to be asked how looming changes to the Right to Rent scheme will affect them, the Government has revealed.
In a statement to parliament, Minister for Immigration (and former housing secretary) Robert Jenrick (main picture) said the transition from physical biometric immigration documents to entirely digital eVisas by 2024 is likely to impact landlords and letting agents conducting Right to Rent checks via a new digital system.
The consultation is due to start soon and will ask landlords whether the understand the changes, and how they’ll impact how tenants are checked.
These changes carry risk for landlords. If they do not conduct Right to Rent checks thoroughly enough then they face considerable fines and even criminal prosecution.
For example, if a landlord is found to be renting to someone who does not have a right to rent, they may be liable for a civil penalty of up to £3000 per tenant.
And if they are proved to have done so knowingly, landlords may also be committing a criminal offence under section 33A of the Immigration Act 2014.
eVisas
Jenrick said: “Since the introduction of biometric immigration documents in the form of eVisas, the Code of Practice needs to be updated to fully reflect the specific elements and approach to eVisas.
“This includes updating the requirements and sanctions associated with holders of these accounts. To ensure they are effective and proportionate, I am launching a consultation on these changes.
“It will explore how these sanctions would potentially be understood and effect individuals, including those who are vulnerable.
Read more news about Right to Rent checks.
“It would also explore how the sanctions may impact groups linked to the holders of eVisas [such as] employers, landlords and financial institutions.”
Read more about the Right to Rent Code of Practice.
