Immigration update - landlord pilot scheme begins... Immigration Minister James Brokenshire announced yesterday that one of the more controversial provisions of the Immigration Act 2014 has been given the go ahead as a pilot scheme, set to start on December 1. From that date landlords in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell will be expected to check the immigration status of prospective tenants and face a fine of up to £3000 per person if they are found to be letting a property to anyone who cannot show the correct documentation to prove they are here legally. The rules and penalties stretch to tenants sub-letting rooms in their homes and many people could be unwittingly exposing themselves to harsh fines. Landlords will be issued with a list of 8 different documents acceptable to prove someone is eligible to rent a property here, and a list of 10 different documents from which two must be produced by a tenant. Landlords will be expected to check a tenant’s eligibility every 12 months. One concern we can see is that in the Home Office’s Code of Practice there appears to be no guidance on letting properties to people who are legally in the UK but whose documents are held by the Home Office as they process visas. If you are affected by these changes or need any assistance with your immigration matter, please contact Louise Koch on 0116 344 0050 or [email protected] castleparksolicitors.co.uk
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:36:13 +0000
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