Home Office issues advice to landlords on right to rent during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Article summary

The Home Office and Immigration Enforcement have published guidance for landlords carrying out right to rent checks during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The checks will continue to be necessary, however, they have temporarily been made easier to enable landlords to carry them out during this period. As of 30 March 2020, landlords will be able to carry out checks over video calls (as opposed to face-to-face) and accept scanned or photographed documents from tenants. Landlords are advised to use the Landlord’s Checking Service if a tenant—prospective or existing—is unable to provide any existing documents. An announcement will be made to inform landlords of when these temporary measures will cease to apply.