Landlord & Buy-to-Let Magazine Issue 69, November 2016 | Page 25

For latest show news visit www.landlordshow.info industry news Right to Rent rules ‘confusing’ landlords Landlords in are still confused about new rules demanding they vet tenants, according to tenant screening agency Tenant Screening. The Right to Rent rules were introduced nationally in February, following a pilot project run in the Midlands. They require landlords to make checks on prospective tenants to ensure they have a right to rent in the UK, and are part of the Government’s clampdown on illegal immigrants. Landlords need to ensure the tenant’s passport or biometric residence permit is genuine. Failing to carry out this check can incur hefty fines for the landlord or lettings agencies which are managing tenancies. But according to Swindon-based Tenant Screening, which provides a vetting service to landlords and letting agents across the country, many landlords are confused about what they need to do, with some still unaware of the Right to Rent rules. “There is a lot of uncertainty among landlords which is having an impact on whether the Right to Rent checks are being carried out effectively, or at all,” said Kelvin McCarthy, Screening Manager at Tenant Screening. “But the consequences of not complying can be a fine of up to £3,000 per tenant found to be living illegally.” Kelvin said some landlords thin