UPDATED: Government extends remote right to rent checks until 5 April 2022

The government has extended the end date for Covid-19 adjusted right to rent checks until 5 April 2022, which comes as a result of positive feedback about the ability to conduct checks remotely. The government has now started to review the availability of technology to support a system of digital right to rent checks in the future, with the intention of introducing "a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including UK and Irish citizens". This will enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security.

Until 5 April 2022, if you are carrying out a temporary adjusted check, you must:

• ask your tenant to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app
• arrange a video call with your tenant – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents
• record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”

You are no longer required to carry out retrospective checks when the adjusted checks end on 5 April 2022.

If your tenant has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system, you can use the online right to rent service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details.

This article is intended as a guide only. For full details, visit gov.uk.

Want the latest lettings new delivered straight to your inbox every week? Sign up to our mailing list and stay up to date, or read our complete guide to lettings legislation in the private rented sector to help your agency stay compliant.