Right to rent and the Immigration Act 2014

Right to rent is a term introduced in the Immigration Act 2014. It forms part of the government’s objective to curb illegal immigration. The Act includes provisions to restrict people who live illegally in the UK from accessing key services, including private rented accommodation.

The right to rent immigration checks prohibit private landlords from allowing illegal immigrants to occupy residential property. The Act places new obligations on landlords to check that the people occupying their properties are allowed to be in the UK and are not disqualified from renting property, in other words, that they have the right to rent. Landlords and agents who breach these requirements face civil penalties and possible criminal prosecution.

This section looks at the responsibilities of private landlords in regard to the government’s right to perform rent checks. It sets out what landlords and agents have to do to stay within the law.

The section is maintained by Robin Stewart of Anthony Gold Solicitors.