Landlord immigration checks

Landlord immigration checks are on there way after the Immigration Bill received Royal Assent and passed into law back in August.  Landlords outside the West Midlands don't need to panic yet though, as the legislation requiring landlords to make checks on their tenants will initially effect only landlords in Birmingham and the West Midlands. This will begin from the 1st of December before being rolled out across the rest of the country early next year.

The rules will require landlords to collect documentation from prospective tenants such as as passport or biometric visa. Landlords will be required to keep them for a period of 12 months after the tenancy has ended.  There are all sorts of implications and landlords could face up to a £3000 fine if they fail to carry out the checks correctly. 

The big problem is : ' how many landlords are used to correctly identifying the plethora of visas '. 

Thankfully, some tenants will be excluded from the checks, including student tenants who have been nominated directly by colleges, local authority housing, hostels and refuges these tenants will be excluded from the checks.

The phased introduction of the scheme is likely to begin in 2015, although sceptics anticipate that this will be put on hold until after the general election in May.  So landlords, don't panic and enjoy your Christmas.

To read more about landlords and the Immigration Bill.

More updates to follow as we follow the introduction of the Act and it's phased introduction.

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