Right to Rent Scheme COVID-19 Adjusted Checks Update

The adjustments to right to rent checks, which were made due to COVID-19, will now continue until 30 September 2022 (inclusive). 

This follows the government's announcement enabling landlords to use Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to carry out digital checks on behalf of British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport (or Irish passport card) from 6 April 2022. 

Further information regarding IDVT is available on GOV.UK at: Digital identity certification for right to work, right to rent and criminal records checks.

Following positive feedback we have received about this development, we have decided to defer the date for the resumption of physical document checks to 1 October 2022. This will ensure landlords have sufficient time to develop commercial relationships with identity service providers, make the necessary changes to the pre-tenancy checking process and carry out responsible on-boarding of their chosen provider. 

Deferring the end date of the adjusted checks to the 30 September 2022 (inclusive) ensures the Right to Rent Scheme continues to operate in a manner which supports landlords to implement long-term, post-pandemic practices. It also provides opportunity for landlords to put measures in place to enable face to face document checks if they do not wish to adopt digital checks for British and Irish citizens with a valid passport (or Irish passport card). 

From 1 October 2022, you must check the prescribed documents as set out in the Landlord's guide to right to rent checks, available on GOV.UK. 

Where applicable, you can use the Home Office online right to rent service. Checks using this service do not require you to check physical documents and can be carried out by video call, as the right to rent information is provided in real time direct from Home Office systems. 

You will maintain a defence against a civil penalty if the check you have undertaken between 30 March 2020 and 30 September 2022 was done in the prescribed standard manner or as set out in the COVD-19 adjusted checks guidance. 

Further information about the COVID-19 adjusted right to rent checks can be found on GOV.UK.

Home Office