The “Right to Rent” policy makes landlords conduct thorough background checks on every potential tenant: verifying their immigration status and checking their residency rights. If they fail to do so, landlords could be fined or even imprisoned. The policy is intended to catch illegal immigrants including people who have overstayed their visa.
Research shows that landlords are biased when accepting tenants. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) says that 51% of landlords say they are much less likely to rent to non-British people. Another 48% say they are less likely to rent to anyone who does not hold a British passport.
Given the penalties, it’s understandable why landlords favour British citizens as it involves less administrative and fewer risks. However, some ethnic minority British citizens have also been affected by this policy as many British people do not hold a passport.
Cross-party MPs and immigration lawyers agree that the policy could lead to exploitation and less support for asylum seekers, trafficking victims, care leavers and domestic abuse survivors. Right to Rent has been criticised by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. Despite this, the Government has spent £80,000 defending the scheme and intends to expand it to EU nationals after Brexit.
Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale Solicitors
For advice on issues about immigration, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham & Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale. We are proud to help and assist our clients in Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale with expert legal advice. We combine our immigration law expertise with excellent customer service. If you need help or advice from Rochdale immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors, call our immigration specialist today on 0161 660 6050.
