A guide on the UK Right to Rent scheme

The 2016 Right to Rent (RTR) scheme was put in place to prevent UK landlords from renting to tenants who do not have the right to live in the country. Actioning this policy is mandatory for all landlords in the UK and has severe consequences for not complying. However, many landlords (particularly those not using a letting agent) fail to follow the RTR policy and are subsequently faced with significant fines.

When should I conduct a Right to Rent check?

When onboarding a new tenant, it is your responsibility to conduct a RTR check within the 28 days leading up to the lease start date.

How can I conduct Right to Rent checks?

Prior to the start of the tenant lease you need to check your tenant’s original Passport or alternative Identification documents. Landlords should check that the name, photograph and address match the information you have already received from the tenant.

It is your responsibility to take copies of these documents and store them on file for a minimum of 12 months after your tenant’s lease ends.

Failure to comply with the Right to Rent checks can incur a penalty of up to £3,000 per tenant. In severe cases, failure to carry out the necessary checks can result in a sentence of up to five years.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly informed on the policy and take action to ensure that you are complying when onboarding new tenants.