This applies to England only.

Today the government have updated the guidance for landlord right to rent checks. 

The temporary changes were put in place from 30 March 2020 which were:

  • 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

As of 17 May 2021 to complete a right to rent check you must either see the applicants original documents or if the tenant gives you a share code you would check the applicants right to rent online via the home office.

Any check that has been carried out prior to the 17 May 2021 under the Covid-19 rules does not require a retrospective full check to be made. This is a change from what was originally announced.

Please see the link for the updated guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks 

Right to rent checks  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/931769/Right_to_Rent_Checks_A_user_guide_for_tenants_and_landlords.pdf