Remote right to rent checks extended until April 2022

REMOTE RIGHT TO RENT CHECKS EXTENDED UNTIL 5 APRIL 2022

The government has extended the use of remote Right to Rent Checks until the 5th April 2022 which comes as a result of positive feedback about the ability to conduct checks remotely.

The government aims to continue a digital system of Right to Rent checks in the future with the intention to also introduce "a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including UK and Irish citizens". Meaning all checks would be able to continue remotely with enhanced security.

Until 5 April 2022, if you are carrying out a temporary adjusted check, you must:
•    ask your 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 your 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”

You are no longer required to carry out retrospective checks when the adjusted checks end on 5 April 2022.

If your 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 View a tenant's right to rent in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details.

This article is intended as a guide only. For full details, visit gov.uk.