As a result of the government’s announcement on 14 June 2021 to extend the date for the easing of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures, the temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to rent checks will now end on 31 August 2021. From 1 September 2021, landlords and letting agents will revert to face-to-face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance. This will ensure landlords and letting agents have sufficient notice to put measures in place to enable face-to-face document checks.
COVID adjusted right to rent checks are carried out remotely as follows:
- Asking prospective adult occupiers to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents from two document lists (A or B) via email or using a mobile app.
- Arranging a video call with the prospective occupier and asking them to hold up the document on screen to check against the copy you were sent.
- Recording the date the check was made and marking a copy of the scanned document with the phrase “an adjusted check has been undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19” satisfied the tenant has a right to rent.
Many landlords have continued to check their prospective tenant’s right to rent in person throughout the COVID period, this is acceptable, the adjusted measures are a temporary alternative. There is no requirement to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 31 August 2021 (inclusive).
For further information; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks
