DPS calls for more support over Right to Rent
The Deposit Protection Service has called for more support and information to be offered to buy-to-let landlords, in order for them to understand the Right to Rent Scheme.
The Government announced this week that from December, it will be a criminal offence for landlords to let their property to people who are in the UK illegally.
Illegal letting
During her first speech to the Conservative Party conference as Home Secretary, Amber Rudd informed activists that the Government plans to clamp down on illegal immigration. She plans to attack landlords providing people who are not legally permitted to live in the UK.
Rudd said: ‘From December, landlords that knowingly rent out property to people who have no right to be here will be committing a criminal offence. They could go to prison.’[1]
However, the Deposit Protection Service is concerned that there is insufficient information available to landlords to protect them from breaking the law.
DPS calls for more support over Right to Rent
Fouling foul
Julian Foster, managing director at the Deposit Protection Service, said: ‘Although landlords will always want to operate within the law, changes in the regulatory environment can mean that many fall foul of legislation without realising it.’[1]
‘Pressures on landlords can be significant, particularly those who are in fulltime work, so it’s vital that they receive sufficient information and support whenever the rules change. Anyone letting out property must fully understand regulations that affect them as well as their obligations as a landlord to both their tenants and the authorities,’ he added.[1]
[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2016/10/landlords-need-support-to-avoid-unwittingly-falling-foul-of-illegal-immigrants-legislation