£3,000 fine for landlords who flout new right to rent rules

A Lancashire solicitor is warning private landlords to carefully review the immigration status of new tenants or risk facing fines of up to £3,000 under tough new laws.

The new policy has been introduced as a result of the Immigration Act 2014 and means that landlords cannot let adults sign residential tenancy agreements unless they satisfy one of three criteria:

Landlords who fail to check the residency status of tenants and house someone without the right to rent will be fined up to £3,000.

“Families taking in lodgers aren’t exempt from the rules either, so they will also need to check these guests have the right to stay in the UK or face the hefty fine.”

Copies of the documents must also be kept by the landlord for 12 months after the tenancy expires, something which Graham Ireland could result in some landlords unintentionally breaching data protection rules.

“Even tougher measures could also be in store, with parliament debating proposals for a five year jail sentence for those who flout the rules, so it’s vital that landlords ensure they’re properly fulfilling their obligations, otherwise risk facing a criminal conviction.” For more information about the rules surrounding the right to rent contact Graham Ireland on 01254 272640 or graham.ireland@whnsolicitors.co.uk