The UK Association of Letting Agents has highlighted serious concerns about the Government’s Immigration Bill, when called to give evidence on behalf of letting agents to Parliament’s Public Bill Committee.
Building on comprehensive discussions with both the Department for Communities and Local Government and Home Office, UKALA used the opportunity to bring letting agents’ doubts about the plans to the immigration minister attention.
Speaking after the evidence session, UKALA Executive Caroline Kenny, commented:
“Whilst letting agents are well equipped to carry our checks, and do so on behalf of landlord clients every day, the legal requirement to periodically monitor and report on the immigration status of tenants could affect their ability to conduct business and the safety of their staff.
“UKALA is deeply concerned that the Bill’s requirements will further restrict access to housing for people from outside of the UK, or with non-standard requirements. Many areas of the UK have very competitive lettings markets and it is entirely conceivable that landlords will instruct agents to favour those tenants they perceive as ‘low risk’.
“UKALA agrees that landlords and letting agents should act responsibly to ensure that only tenants with the proper permission to reside in the UK are granted new private tenancies. However, we believe it is not appropriate to make housing professionals responsible for policing country’s borders”.
To benefit from the representation and support provided by UKALA, join today.
%20(002).png)
Comments