Deterring Illegal Workers and Residents

The next stage of the scheme’s national rollout continues governmental reforms. The main aim is to build a fairer and more effective immigration system.

Many responsible landlords already carry out the checks. They should be quick and simple tenant eligibility checks done as a matter of routine. The new lessee examination is about deterring illegal workers and residents. Proving an individual’s legitimate right to remain in the country will be easy to do. They will not be ‘adversely’ affected.

The Bill provides new measures which make it easier for landlords to evict illegal tenants. A new criminal offence also targets unscrupulous landlords. There are penalties for repeatedly failing to carry out right to rent investigations.

Landlords should check the identity documents for all new inhabitants and take photocopies. The occupant checks get backed up by codes of practice. They include guidance on avoiding unlawful discrimination. That part got drawn up with the assistance of the Human Rights Commission.

Landlords can conduct the check via the Landlords Checking Service. That system applies to a potential tenant with an outstanding immigration application or an appeal with the Home Office.

Landlords Unaware of Rule Start Date

Around 50% of UK landlords are ill-prepared and unaware of the ‘Right to Rent’ legislation. They must follow the new rules from its enforcement date of February 2016.

Research from the online estate agent Urban shows that one in five believed they had until April 2017 to prepare for the changes. There were some who believed they were fine until 2018.

The online survey also found that only one in ten landlords actually provide the correct information to tenants at the start of a lease.

More disturbing was the fact that around 90% were unable to identify the characteristics of a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

A significant number were putting themselves at serious financial risk. The main failure was not providing a valid contact address on tenancy agreements. This inaction could see contracts deemed as ‘null and void’.

The cofounder of Urban estate agent declared:

“There has been an influx of new legislation relating to the rental market made in recent years. We know that UK landlords are struggling to keep on top of these changes.

Despite knowing many of the basics, many find it difficult to navigate the minefield of changing renting rights and wrongs. This is particularly so for accidental landlords.”

Landlords Abreast of Rental Fundamentals

There was a lack of understanding in many areas, particularly the new rulings. But, the vast majority of landlords were abreast of most other property rental fundamentals and legal procedures.

• 95% of landlords correctly identified their gas safety responsibilities.
• 77% were aware of the need for a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• 76% also knew the need for a smoke alarm on every floor.
• 7% actually installed a smoke alarm in every room.

The Landlord Knowledge League Table

They produced a survey map ranking the most knowledgeable regions around the United Kingdom. It showed some surprising results. It suggested that the most knowledgeable landlords let property in Southampton.

Whereas, those who were ‘grossly’ unaware of many key landlord responsibilities were in fact based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

New landlord regulations, such as the ‘Right to Rent’ inclusion, have the potential to reduce and stop back door lettings. The hope is for a better environment for all residents in the UK. Nonetheless, to clean up the industry the scheme needs communicating to landlords properly.