Digital identity certification

Digital identity certification – This applies to England

The government is introducing a scheme where an agent or landlord can check a prospective British or Irish citizen’s right to rent, right to work and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) status.

From 6 April 2022, landlords and agents in England will be able to complete and certify a British or Irish citizen right to rent identification by using Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT). 

IDVT will be able to confirm prospective tenants’ identities by using secure methods that reduce any risk of uncertainty or fraud. 

The steps to become certified to do the IDVT checks are quite complex so it is not likely agents will do that. However, it is quite likely that referencing providers will add this service to what they offer.

This service is separate from the checks using the online checking service at the Home Office.