The government has updated its formal guidance to letting agents and landlords on Right To Rent.

This sets out the continuation of online video identity checks and digital/scanned copies of Right to Rent documentation being acceptable, instead of face-to-face checks.

A statement from the Home Office says: “We have made the decision to defer the date following the positive feedback we received about the ability to conduct checks remotely. We initiated a review of the availability of specialist technology to support a system of digital Right to Rent checks in the future.

“The intention is to introduce a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including UK and Irish citizens.

“This will enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security. Deferring the end date of the adjusted checks to April 5 2022 ensures the Right to Rent Scheme continues to operate in a manner which supports landlords and letting agents, whilst we look to implement a long-term, post-pandemic solution.”

Here is the latest guidance, dated August 31 2021.