When it comes to renting a property, it is essential for landlords to carry out certain checks to ensure that the tenant is eligible to live in the UK. These checks are known as right to rent checks and reference checks. It is important for landlords to understand the difference between these two checks and how they can help them find the right tenant for their property. Right to rent checks are mandatory for all adults (over 1 year old) who indicate the property as their primary residence, including permitted occupants. Depending on their country of citizenship, there are different ways to check a person's right to rent.
This can be done manually or through a certified identity service provider (IDSP).On the other hand, reference checks are used to verify a tenant's background and financial history. This involves collecting and verifying references from previous landlords or employers, a bank, a business reference, an accountant or a lawyer. It is important for landlords to remember that finding the right tenant requires more than just a reference check. In addition, landlords in England must also carry out “right to rent” checks to ensure that tenants can live legally in the UK. It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their place of origin.
To prove their right to rent, tenants must show one or more of the documents from the categories known as “List A” and “List B”.When performing reference checks, landlords should also consider whether the tenant has any requests or appeals pending in the immigration system. If so, they must verify it with the Ministry of the Interior service. Tenancy agents must also verify the immigration status of the prospective tenant and deny housing to those who cannot prove that they have the right to live in rented housing in the United Kingdom. If a tenant does not have a photo ID, landlords should carefully consider whether other reference checks are sufficient to prove their eligibility. They should also check documents to ensure that their right to be in the UK for a limited time has not expired. Finally, if a tenant has had financial problems in the past or cannot provide adequate or acceptable references, another option that some landlords and agents will consider is paying more rent up front.
