Right To Rent: ARLA outlines concerns ahead of UK roll-out

ARLA Propertymark representatives have met with Home Office officials in Cardiff and Edinburgh ahead of the government’s roll-out of Right To Rent to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

The checks have of course been mandatory in England since February 1 last year, but have been controversial - ARLA Propertymark board members flagged up the issues that have exercised letting agents in England over the past 13 months. 

One key element of ARLA’s representations was relating the experience of English agents. “The experience of many agents in England has been frustration that they do not see a clear connection between the Right to Rent process and the scheme’s objectives” ARLA told the Home Office. 

“While the scheme intends to create a hostile environment for those without a right to accommodation, there is widespread belief among agents that rejected tenants go on to find accommodation through landlords and agents who are not complying with the scheme” it says. 

ARLA used the meetings to call for a joined-up approach to implementation of Right to Rent checks alongside clear measures to remove tenants who are found to have overstayed during the follow up check process, including more complex households which also comprise tenants who do continue to have a Right to Rent.

It also expressed concern about reports of regular perceived abuse of accepted forms of identification.

Finally, it called for the Home Office to engage with universities and other institutions to eliminate the need for unnecessary duplicate checks being carried on international students.