Decommissioning of biometric cards
The latest guidance addresses the phasing of physical immigration documents out, such as Biometric Residence Permits and Cards (BRP/BRC). Individuals using these documents are advised to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa, which will prove their right to rent in the UK.
Changes to acceptable documents
Annex A of the guidance has been updated to clarify that a clipped British or Irish passport is considered a cancelled document and is not acceptable as proof of the right to rent. Additionally, short and long birth certificates are now acceptable when presented alongside official evidence of name and National Insurance number. This change should ensure greater accessibility for tenants who may not possess a passport and provide landlords with clearer verification criteria.
Ukraine permission extension scheme
Annex C has been updated to confirm the opening of the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme on 4 February 2025. This guides Ukrainian nationals regarding the right to rent checks, ensuring that those affected by the ongoing conflict have the documentation to comply with UK rental regulations. Ukrainian tenants must provide up-to-date documentation to prove their legal status.
Return to standard checks
References to temporary adjusted checks introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been removed, indicating a return to standard right-to-rent check procedures. Landlords and letting agents must now follow the original pre-pandemic guidelines for verifying tenants’ status. This follows the government’s objective to re-establish normal compliance procedures.
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs)
The guidance now includes information on Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and instructions on how non-visa nationals can prove their right to rent. This is part of the UK Government’s efforts to digitalise immigration checks and streamline verification processes. Landlords and agents must stay informed about these new requirements to avoid potential fines and ensure that non-visa tenants meet the necessary legal criteria before entering into tenancy agreements. More information can be found in our right-to-rent fact sheet.
Fact sheet: Right to Rent Immigration Checks
Under the Immigration Act 2014, since 1 February 2016, all landlords of private rented accommodation in England have been required to carry out Right to Rent checks for new tenancy agreements to determine whether all adult occupiers aged 18 and over have the right to live in the UK.
Compliance and feedback
Propertymark members are encouraged to review the updated guidance in detail to ensure full compliance with the latest requirements. Staying informed and adhering to these changes is crucial in maintaining best practices and avoiding potential liabilities. Failure to comply with right-to-rent obligations could result in significant fines or penalties for landlords and agents.
We regularly attend the Home Office’s Right to Rent – Landlords Consultancy Panel and are keen to hear feedback from members on any issues so we can represent the sector, email [email protected].
