A revised code of practice for Right To Rent has been issued to agents and landlords.

This sixth revision supersedes the previous version issued in March 2022, and has been launched this week to coincide with two measures coming into force imminently – the Immigration Act 2014 (Residential Accommodation) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2023; and the Immigration (Restrictions on Employment and Residential Accommodation) (Codes of Practice) (Amendment) Order 2023. 

All landlords and their agents in England have a legal responsibility under the Immigration Act 2014 to prevent those without lawful immigration status from accessing the private rented sector. 

In August the government announced that agents and landlords who allow rental properties to be let to migrants who do not have the right to be in the UK will face much larger financial penalties in future. 

Landlords and agents who knowingly rent their properties to unauthorised migrants will face penalties of up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier for a first breach, up from £80 and £1,000 respectively. Repeat breaches could cost them up to £10,000 per lodger, up from £500, and a maximum of £20,000 per occupier, up from £3,000.

You can see the latest version of the code, produced by the Home Office, here.