Failing to check up on a tenant’s immigration status has become a criminal offence. The new measures will be triggered under the Immigration Act 2016 and are an attempt by the government to crack down on rogue landlords providing accommodation for illegal immigrants.
“We are clear that illegal immigrants should not be able to access or remain in private rented accommodation, preventing lawful residents from finding a home,” says the Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire.
“We know the vast majority of landlords are diligent in their responsibilities when it comes to their tenants and we want to help them to be able to evict illegal immigrants more easily”.
Right to Rent Rolled Out Nationwide
The Right to Rent scheme was first rolled out in 2014 and has since been extended to the rest of England. By the end of next year, the government hopes to implement the Right to Rent scheme in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Civil Penalties and Criminal Prosecutions for Rogue Landlords
Landlords and letting agents who flaunt the scheme will be liable for a civil penalty of up to £3,000. Landlords who repeatedly ignore the requirements of the scheme face being prosecuted and sent to prison for up to five years. They could also have their accounts frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
On the plus side, landlords who discover they are housing illegal immigrants will have greater powers to evict their tenants quickly once they report them to the Home Office.
