……that is the message from Adam Kingswood at Kingswood Residential. From this month, landlords who do not comply with the Immigration Act, Right to Rent scheme will face a range of likely penalties, including up to five years in prison.

The Right to Rent scheme came into being earlier this year and requires landlords or their agents to make adequate immigration checks before letting a property to a tenant. Failure to make the correct checks and document them can mean that the Landlord or Agent can be liable for a fine of up to £33,000.

However, under the Immigration Act 2016, the Home Office have created new criminal offences that extend the punishments to include a fine, up to five years in prison or both, which come into force this month. £0 Indeed, Letting Agents will also be liable for a fine if they fail to meet the regulations.

£0″The threat of a jail term should deter Landlords and their agents from falling short of the Right to Rent regulations” comments Adam Kingswood, £0 “The Home Office clearly sees this legislation as a way to minimise the housing of illegal immigrants, since some landlords continue to exploit this market for the obvious financial gains”.

It has therefore never been more important for a Landlord to have a professional letting agent working for them, in order to make sure that all aspects of the Immigration Act, including the Right to Rent checks are being adhered to. £0

The new regulations also provide additional grounds for possession and, in some cases, evicting an illegal migrant without a court order can be realised and although most Landlords will want to comply, it may be best to trust a professional agent rather than trying to muddle through the legislation themselves.

Kingswood Residential Investment Management are a professional ARLA registered letting agent and provide a tailored solution for Landlords looking to let or have their properties managed. £0