Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Right to Rent Changes Take Effect in England From 1 October
New rules governing Right to Rent checks come into force in England on 1 October, according to reporting by Property118. Landlords who rely on digital verification services will need to ensure any provider they use is registered under a revised code.
At the same time, the updated framework makes clear that tenants cannot be disadvantaged simply because they choose to present acceptable paper documents rather than digital ones.
What Is Changing?
Under the revised arrangements, digital identity verification used for Right to Rent checks must be carried out by providers registered against the new code. For letting agents and inventory clerks handling compliance workflows, this means verifying which digital services their clients or firms currently use and confirming registration status before the deadline.
The change does not remove the option of traditional document-based checks. Tenants remain free to opt for paper documentation where it is accepted, and they should face no detriment for doing so.
Updated Home Office Codes
Alongside the registration requirement, the Home Office has issued revised codes covering how checks should be conducted and how landlords can avoid unlawful discrimination during the process.
The updated guidance also addresses digital evidence, refreshing the advice available to those carrying out checks digitally. Letting teams reviewing their internal processes ahead of 1 October may wish to consult both the revised codes and the updated guidance directly.
Why It Matters for Agents and Clerks
For letting agents managing landlord portfolios, the key operational points are:
- Confirming whether your current digital verification service is registered under the revised code
- Ensuring staff understand that tenants opting for paper documents must not be treated unfavourably
- Reviewing check procedures against the updated Home Office codes on conduct and anti-discrimination requirements
Inventory clerks involved at move-in stage may find it useful to align record-keeping practices with the refreshed guidance on digital evidence, though the specifics of those updates are set out in the original report.
With the 1 October start date approaching, agencies working across England should read the full detail via the source link below and confirm their own compliance position.
Source: Property118