Home Secretary Eases Right to Rent & Work Checks Amid Coronavirus Crisis
The Home Office has slashed red tape for landlords and employers during the coronavirus outbreak. From now on, they no longer need to see original documents to prove someone’s right to rent or work in the UK. Instead, checks can be done over video calls – a move designed to keep everyone safe.
No Originals Needed – Scan and Send
Prospective tenants and workers can now submit scanned copies of their documents. The government insists the checks must continue and warns it remains illegal to rent or employ anyone without proper immigration status.
- If documents aren’t available, landlords and employers can use the official Landlord Checking Service or Employer Checking Service.
- The full, in-person document checks will resume once the temporary rules end.
Priti Patel: “Helping People Stay Home and Stay Safe”
I have introduced these temporary changes to help employers and landlords conduct checks more easily as people follow advice to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives, during the coronavirus outbreak.
What Are the Right to Rent & Work Checks?
- Right to rent: Landlords must confirm tenants have legal permission to live in the UK.
- Right to work: Employers must ensure job applicants are allowed to work in the UK before hiring.
These measures balance the need to enforce immigration rules while keeping the population safe during the pandemic.
