As part of the Immigration Act 2014, landlords have a legal responsibility not to home tenants who don’t have the right to live in England. Those who knowingly rent their properties to lawful immigration status holders can face a civil penalty.
On February 13, these fines will be increasing significantly. For first-time breaches, fines will increase from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier, to now a maximum of £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier. Repeat breaches can now face a maximum fine of £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier.
To check a tenant’s immigration status correctly, landlords must view original immigration documents, make copies and keep them for 12 months after the tenancy expires. Letting agents must check that all tenants who occupy their properties have a legal status to live in the UK.
This Right to Rent scheme fines can be served to landlords or letting agents and is only currently mandatory in England and for properties within that country.
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