The NLA is reminding landlords about the importance of conducting tenant checks shortly before new legislation will require them to check the immigration status of every new tenant.

As of the 1 December 2014 landlords in the West Midlands will be responsible for carrying out ‘right to rent’ checks in order to identify if a potential tenant has the right to reside in the UK, before they grant a tenancy. If the checks are not carried out landlords could face a fine of up to £3,000. The new rules, set out in the Immigration Act, will be rolled out around the UK in 2015.

Carolyn Uphill, chairman at the NLA said: “In some areas as early as this December, the Immigration Act will place a legal responsibility on landlords to help prevent illegal immigrants from accessing private rented accommodation. It has always been best practice to conduct a thorough check on prospective tenants, but if landlords don’t do their due diligence on tenants they could be in line for a hefty penalty.”