Temporary Right to Rent Changes to End

Changes to the mandatory right to rent checks which were introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will end on 16/05/2021. Pre-Pandemic Position Prior to the pandemic, a landlord had to meet all prospective tenants in person and check original documents from a specific set listed by the Government. If the landlord was satisfied as to the identity and right to rent of the prospective tenant, they were to keep a copy of the documents and could then sign a tenancy agreement with them. These documents were to be kept for 12 months after the tenant had left the property. Temporary Pandemic Changes Since 30/03/2020, the Government has allowed right to rent checks to be performed by reviewing scanned copies or photos of the documents via email or phone and checking the authenticity of those documents via a video call with the prospective tenant. The landlord must mark a copy of the scanned document/photo with the phrase “an adjusted check has been undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19” if satisfied the tenant has a right to rent. Post-Pandemic Position From 17/05/2021, landlords will need to revert to the original pre-pandemic position for right to rent checks, as outlined above (‘Pre-Pandemic Position’). Alternatively, landlords can use the new digital system set up by the Government during the pandemic whereby a ‘share code’ is obtained by the prospective tenant and given to their potential landlord. Using the share code and prospective tenant’s date of birth, landlords will be able to verify the prospective tenant’s identity online. It is good to note that, due to the length of the temporary pandemic changes, landlords will not be expected to carry out follow-up checks in person for any tenancies where the temporary rules were followed. For all your landlord legal needs, get in touch for some free and friendly initial advice: 01704 790 532, hello@dwduk.co.uk, www.landlord-support.co.uk.