Right To Rent changes this month - call for automation to help agents

Upcoming changes to Right To Rent procedures make the case for increased automation of the process to save agents from additional work.

That’s the claim from Openview – Powered by VTUK, which is alerting agents that from the end of this month face-to-face checks resume for Right To Rent.

Since the onset of the pandemic, landlords and letting agents have carried out Right to Rent checks by video call in accordance with government Covid-19 guidelines. 

However, from the end of August the process is no longer set to take place by video call, while scanned or photographed documents will no longer be required either because these checks will be carried out face-to-face once more.  

Openview says the changes to Right to Rent have highlighted the increasing need for automation.  

“The temporary video and online measure has been a success in the property industry. As far as we know, there were no breaches and many even prefer this method of conducting essential checks, proving the demand for simpler processes is there” says Peter Grant, chairman and chief executive at Openview.

He adds: “We suggest other areas of agency are automated to make business far simpler. If the mere introduction of video and scanned documents was this much of a success with Right to Rent checks, just think of all the different ways automation can improve the other areas of an agency business.” 

Grant argues that, in terms of the Right to Rent changes, agents required only a device with a camera and WiFi to conduct the checks online.  

“Here at Openview we solely focus on software and great customer service, which is custom-built for the needs of agents and landlords. The reliance on one system that does exactly what it says on the tin and can be accessed wherever you have internet is all that is needed to be in control of your business. These video checks have given many a taste of how simple work could be.” 

Grant warns that hundreds of thousands of people could still be waiting in a backlog of the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme, unsure of their status and their Right to Rent in the UK.  

EU residents had a six-month grace period to apply for settled status after the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1 2021. Those who have not already applied, or who are stuck in the system, could lose essential rights including the right to rental accommodation. 

The possibility of this happening with hundreds of thousands of people across the UK causes concern, claims Grant, because it could cause major problems for landlords and agents when it comes to checking the legal rights of tenants to rent. 

“Automated processes help better manage time. With the Right to Rent measures changing and an expected backlog, agents must have everything in place to make the process much smoother and to ensure they do not slow down any areas of their business. We all know these things have a domino effect. One delay causes another, but it can be avoided with automation.” 

The fines for non-compliance with Right to Rent can be severe. 

If checks set out in the code of practice have not been conducted, sanctions could be faced. These include a civil penalty of up to £3,000 per disqualified person and a criminal conviction.