As the practicalities on the lettings industry of the current pandemic are being worked out, we have our latest update. This time on Right to Rent checks.
This has been concerning for many agents and landlords given the social distancing requirements but also the significant penalties for non-compliance. As such, as a temporary measure, you are able to accept scanned copies or photographs of identification followed by a video call with the occupiers. You would not need the originals to be sent to you. Full details can be found on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks
As mentioned above, this is a temporary measure. If a check is carried out this way then you should highlight on your internal system that the check was carried out in compliance with the amended rules. This is particularly important given that when the coronavirus measures are removed, you will have 8 weeks from that date to conduct full retrospective checks on all tenants and occupiers who moved in on the basis of these abbreviated checks.
As the entire lettings industry is coming to terms with this temporary reality, these sorts of updates will keep happening and so it is more important than ever to keep up to date.
Published 31 March 2020
