The government has extended the ‘special arrangements’ for Right To Rent checks – these will now be in force until September 1.

The extension comes following the government’s announcement last week to extend the date for the easing of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures.

Back in March last year it was agreed that Right To Rent checks could be carried out over video calls, and that tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.

It was also announced at that time that agents or landlords should use the Landlord Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the accepted document.

This arrangement was to end in late June but now from September 1, landlords and letting agents will revert to face-to-face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance. 

A message to the industry from the Home Office says: “This will ensure landlords and letting agents have sufficient notice to put measures in place to enable face-to-face document checks.”

You can see more details here.