As a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to your tenancy agreement. One of the clauses that you may come across in your agreement is the “right to rent” clause.
The right to rent clause is a requirement under UK law that landlords must check the immigration status of their tenants before allowing them to rent a property. This is to ensure that only those who have the right to live in the UK are able to rent a property.
Under the right to rent scheme, landlords are required to carry out checks on all tenants and occupiers over the age of 18, regardless of their nationality. Landlords must check the identity documents of each tenant and occupier and make sure that they have the right to live in the UK.
The right to rent scheme was introduced in 2016 as part of the Immigration Act and has been controversial ever since. Some argue that it leads to discrimination against those who are not UK citizens or who do not have the appropriate documentation to prove their status. Others argue that it is necessary to combat illegal immigration and ensure that only those who have the right to live in the UK are able to rent property.
If you are a tenant, it is important to be aware of the right to rent clause in your tenancy agreement. Make sure that you have the necessary documentation to prove your right to live in the UK and that you have provided this to your landlord before you move in. If you are unsure about your status or have any questions about the right to rent scheme, it is important to seek legal advice.
In conclusion, the right to rent clause is a requirement under UK law that landlords must adhere to when renting out their properties. As a tenant, it is important to be aware of this clause and to ensure that you have the necessary documentation to prove your right to live in the UK.