Civil Penalties For No Right To Rent

Your tenants have to have the right to rent a property and it is essential that as a landlord, you check that at the beginning of a tenancy, all tenants aged 18 and above have the right to rent. You should ask to see the passport of the tenant or another official document that proves their immigration status.

If you are found to be renting a property to someone you knew or had reasonable cause to believe did not have the right to rent in the UK then you could receive an unlimited fine which is also known as a civil penalty. This includes if you had any reason to believe that;

• The tenant did not have permission to enter or stay in the UK
• The tenant’s leave had expired
• The tenant’s papers were false or incorrect

You can also be fined if you cannot show that you have checked your tenants’ right to rent.

If your case is being investigated, you will receive a ‘referral notice’ informing you that you could be getting a fine (civil penalty). The amount fined will depend on the type of property involved and whether or not you have been fined before.

You can object to a civil penalty within 28 days of the date given on the notice. You can object if;

• You are not liable to pay the penalty – for example, you are not the landlord of the property
• You have made a correct check of the tenant and can prove it
• The penalty amount was not checked correctly

LAWTEC Solicitors

LAWTEC Solicitors is an independent law firm, who’s aim is to provide their clients with the highest standards of legal expertise together with exceptional customer service. We are a modern and progressive firm supporting our clients with direct lawyer contact, no hidden costs, specialist advice and free initial assessment.

Our main objective has always been to provide quality and efficient legal services together with expert advice and representation to our clients all over the world.

Interpreting the law can be a minefield, more so when it concerns a very new, or niche or particularly complicated matter. To help our clients navigate the law and achieve the best possible outcome, our legal team includes solicitors who specialise in many different areas of law and business sectors.

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At LAWTEC Solicitors, we have specialist experience in all areas of Motoring Law/Immigration Law and Commercial leases and can provide our assistance in these matters with a free initial assessment to help you along the way.