Right to Rent Checks
The Immigration Act 2014 contains provisions to make it compulsory for landlords to check the immigration status of all new adult tenants. A failure to conduct the checks, called “Right to Rent” and to provide accommodation to those without leave to remain could lead to penalties of up to £3000. The provisions currently have only been implemented England. However it is likely that they will be implemented in Wales in due course – although no date has been announced.
Tai Pawb is continuing to work with sector partners to provide a voice on the impacts of implementation in Wales. Tai Pawb has serious concerns that its implementation in Wales will lead to further discrimination and marginalisation of people from Ethnic Minorities. We are committed to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that any potential negative impacts of Right to Rent are mitigated against. We continue to watch closely what is happening in England and how the scheme affects communities.
- Briefing on the Impacts of Right to Rent Checks in Wales (Tai Pawb and partners, August 2015)
- Practical implications of immigration checks on new lettings (CIH, 2016)
- ‘Right to Rent’ scheme to be rolled out across England, 1st February 2016 (Rent Smart Wales)
- “No Passport Equals No Home”: An independent evaluation of the ‘Right to Rent’ scheme (JCWI, September 2015)
- CHC, In-depth briefing on Right to Rent (CHC, January 2016)
- Practical Implications of Immigration Checks on new lettings (CIH)
- Housing Rights Information (CIH and BME National – England & Wales)
- Advising migrants about the private rented sector
- Obtaining a rented home from a private landlord
For further information about Right to Rent checks and its implications for Wales please contact Tai Pawb at info@taipawb.org or call 029 2105 7957 .