The pilot scheme for the govenment’s policy for landlords and agents to check the immigration status of tenants is to reach a landmark next month.
The 6 month pilot programme in the West Midlands is due to be assessed in July and following this the scheme will be gradually rolled out across most of the UK
Where a landlord uses an agent then the agent will assume responsibility for carrying out the checks. Where there is no agent then landlords must carry these out themselves.
The system is designed to be relatively quick and simple to administer. Passport and resident permit checks will be offered on a government website with results returned within 48 hours.
There is a penalty for non compliance of up to £3,000.