Right to rent is a hot topic at the moment with new right to rent code of practice coming into force on 22 January 2024 to coincide with higher maximum fines for non-compliance under the Immigration Act 2014 (Residential Accommodation) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2023, the revised code of practice is the sixth update and will replace the previous version from March 2022.

Non-compliance will be costly

In August 2023, the UK Government announced that landlords who allow rental properties to be let to migrants who do not have the right to be in the UK will face much larger financial penalties in future.

Landlords who knowingly rent properties to unauthorised migrants will face penalties of up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier for a first breach. Repeat breaches could cost them up to £10,000 per lodger and a maximum of £20,000 per occupier.

No change to how checks are carried out

In England, landlords must prevent people without legal immigration status from renting homes. In practice this means they must check that someone has the right to rent before letting a property to them. There are different ways to do this, like checking documents manually or using the Home Office online system.

Click here to view the draft code of conduct that the government is proposing to come into force in January 2024.

If any of the above causes you concern or you should you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.