Further right to rent check updates for landlords and agents.

This applies to England

Further right to rent check updates for landlords and agents.

Landlord and agent right to rent checks were due to return to the pre pandemic checks on 6 April 2022. However today (22 February 2022) the government has confirmed this date has now been extended to and including 30 September 2022.

This means this following checks can continue to be completed by the following:

• Video calls
• Tenants can send scanned documents by emailing or using the mobile app
• If applicants or tenants cannot provide valid documents then the landlord should use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/lcs-application.ofml 

The process for the checks are:

• ask the tenant to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app
• arrange a video call with the tenant – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents
• record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”
• if the tenant has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system you can use the online right to rent service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details. From 6 April 2022, all biometric card holders will evidence their right to rent using the Home Office online service only. You will no longer be able to accept physical cards for the purposes of a right to rent check even if it shows a later expiry date.