Thursday 17th June 2021
Right To Rent Checks – Changes From July 2021: Landlords Beware!
Right to Rent checks have been a legal requirement since 2014, designed to ensure that anyone renting a property in the UK has the legal right to reside here. However, following Britain’s exit from the EU, major changes came into effect on 1st July 2021 — specifically affecting EEA, EU, and Swiss citizens. Getting these checks wrong now carries severe penalties, so it is vital you understand the new rules.
From this date, EEA citizens already living in the UK must hold immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme — either Settled Status (permanent right to rent) or Pre‑Settled Status (time‑limited right to rent). They can no longer use just an EEA passport or national identity card as proof of their right to rent.
Landlords are legally required to verify every tenant’s status before granting a tenancy. Failure to comply can result in an unlimited fine or even imprisonment.
● Key Updates From The Landlord’s Guide
- New proof requirements for EEA citizens: Since 1 July 2021, EEA, EU, and Swiss citizens must prove their right to rent using their digital or physical status under the EU Settlement Scheme — not just their nationality documents.
- Documents no longer accepted: EEA passports, national identity cards, and documents confirming only nationality or treaty rights have been removed from the list of valid proof.
-
New documents added to approved list:
- Irish passport or passport card
- Valid documents issued by Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man (verified by the Home Office)
- Frontier Worker Permit
- COVID‑19 temporary adjustments: Special measures introduced during the pandemic remained in place for a period, allowing remote checks via video and digital copies where necessary — always confirm current guidance before carrying out checks.
- Applications in progress: If an individual has an application pending with the Home Office, you may verify their status using the official Landlord Checking Service.
