Right to Rent and Brexit

Brexit and immigration are significant with the UK’s departure from the EU. Free movement between the UK and the European Union came to an end on 31 December 2020 which means that changes are afoot in the way that EU citizens travel to the UK.. 

From 1 January 2021, the UK implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally, prioritising individuals’ skills and talent over where a person comes from.

This means from 1 January 2021, if someone intent on travelling to the UK and who does not live in the UK or has rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, as an EU, EEA or swiss citizen, they will need to meet specific requirements in order to study or work in the UK. 

Relevant checks, including UK criminality checks will have to be undertaken. A person can continue to visit the UK for up to 6 months without applying for a visa and may participate in a wide range of activities, including tourism, visiting family and friends, short term study and business-related activities, such as events and conferences.

Citizens’ Residence Rights

There will be no change to the residence rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30 June 2021.

If someone is living in the UK prior to 31 December 2020, they  can apply to the EUSettlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

If someone comes to the UK on or after 1 January 2021, they may need to apply for a visa.

Tenants and Right to Rent

Right to Rent has been mandatory in England since the 1st February 2016. The Coronavirus Act 2020, temporarily amended the way in which the “face-to-face” checks were carried out as a result of the restrictions imposed.

With the changes imposed by Brexit, the introduction of the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ App, tenants can register by using the following information:-

• details of the identity document used when they applied (passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit)

• date of birth

• access to the mobile number or email address – they will be sent a code for logging in

If an applicant has been told they can view their immigration status online they can use this service to:

Tenants can use this service if :-

• They have settled or pre-settled status

• They have applied for a visa and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document on their mobile phone

• get a Share Code to prove their status to others, for example employers

• update their personal details, for example, passport number or email address

• check what rights you have in the UK, for example the right to work, rent or claim benefits

Tenants can Prove their Immigration Status

Asking tenants/applicants if they have a Share Code can be extremely useful and reduce a lot of time when it comes to carrying out the Right to Rent checks.

For further information - https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-rent