Right to rent checks made easier

Despite the temporary changes, checks will continue to be necessary.

Right to rent checks made easier

Right to rent checks have been adapted to make it easier for landlords during the coronavirus outbreak.

In an announcement by Home Secretary Priti Patel, the checks have been changed so that the Home Office will not require landlords to see original documents and checks can be done via video call.

The temporary changes mean tenants are now able to submit scanned documents to prove they have a right to rent.

Despite the changes, checks will continue to be necessary.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "I have introduced these temporary changes [...] to help conduct checks more easily as people follow advice to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives, during the coronavirus outbreak."

Once the temporary changes end, landlords and employers will be asked to carry out the full checks on existing tenants and employees who rented a property or started work during the pandemic.

The right to rent scheme requires landlords to check that all tenants who occupy their properties have legal status to live in the UK.