Coming soon - immigration checks by landlords

Although this is happening in the Midlands first, this will be coming to other parts of the country at a later date.

From 1 December there is a new legal requirement for private landlords to check that someone has the right to live in the UK before letting a property to them.

Initially, these rules will only apply in the areas of Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton, but other areas across the UK will follow at a later date.

The checks only apply to new agreements starting on or after 1 December. Any adult aged 18 and over living at a property will be subject to the checks.

Landlords can receive a civil penalty of up to £3,000 for renting a property to someone who doesn’t have the right to live in the UK.

• More about immigration checks by landlords

More information is also available on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.

Source: Citizen's Advice Bureau