If you own properties in the West Midlands then from 1 December 2014, Landlords and homeowners with tenants or lodgers in this area, will be required to check that potential tenants have the right to live in the UK, before letting a property to them.

Failure to carry out these checks could face a fine up to £3,000.

This legislation will be a delievered in 'phased approach' starting in the West Midlands and it is then expected to be rolled out across the UK following an evaluation of the scheme.

The right to rent checks apply to:

• Landlords or homeowners who take in tenants, lodgers or sub-let property in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton
• All adults aged 18 and over living at the property
• New tenancy agreements starting on or after 1 December 2014 (there is no need to check tenants who are already renting before this date)

These provisions are part of the UK Government's strategy to streamline and reform the immigration system.

To prevent access to services by those who are not entitled to them, restrict the opportunities for illegal immigrants to secure and sustain a settled lifestyle here and make it easier to remove people who should not be in the UK.

The checks are straightforward and simple, and the majority will be able to conduct them without having to contact the Home Office. In most cases this will involve the landlord seeing no more than the documents that that they will already wish to see in conducting due diligence, credit or tenant referencing checks (for example a passport, residence card, biometric immigration document issued by the Home Office).

Codes of practice and guidance documents for Landlords have been published on gov.uk

Landlords can verify a potential tenant has the right to live in the UK using an online checker. The checker also helps if they need to ask the Home Office to carry out an official right to rent check.

There are simple to follow guidance tool-kits available on gov.uk: Landlords: immigration right to rent checks

To help landlords and homeowners comply with the scheme, a dedicated helpline has been set up: 0300 069 9799 where you can get more information. The helpline can also carry out checks on individuals who have an ongoing immigration application or appeal with the Home Office, or whose documents are with the Home Office

We will be issuing updates via our blog as the 'roll out' progresses and DASH Landlord Accreditation will be delievering training to our members should it be rolled out in the East Midlands - so watch this space

 Download  Home office info leaflet

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