Discover Right to Rent Checks for Overseas Students
As an overseas student studying in a university or college of higher education in the United Kingdom, you will be undertaking an incredible journey. While academics, culture, and experiences are at the forefront of your mind, it’s essential to understand the practicalities of living in the UK. For international students, there’s a lot to consider when they first arrive in the UK to enrol. However, it may be during your second or third year that that you discover Right to Rent checks for overseas students.
We’re here to help you understand what you need to do and why it has to be done.
Right to Rent Checks for Overseas Students
Right to Rent checks are a part of UK immigration law that affects students like you. Together, we can explore what Right to Rent checks are, why they matter, and how you can navigate them successfully.
How to Understand Right to Rent Checks
What Are Right to Rent Checks?
Right to Rent checks for overseas students are a part of UK immigration law. They require landlords or their agents to verify the immigration status of their tenants, ensuring that they have the right to reside in the UK.
Right to Rent checks are designed to regulate the housing rental market and prevent illegal immigration. These checks obligate landlords or their appointed agents to verify the immigration status of individuals who wish to rent property in the United Kingdom, ensuring that they have the legal right to reside in the country.
The key objectives of Right to Rent checks are:
Immigration Compliance: To ensure that individuals who rent property in the UK have the necessary immigration status to reside legally in the country.
Prevention of Illegal Immigration: To prevent individuals without the right to live in the UK from accessing rental accommodations.
Landlord Responsibility: To place the responsibility for verifying tenants’ immigration status on landlords or their agents.
Legal Consequences: To establish legal consequences for landlords who fail to conduct proper Right to Rent checks, including fines and potential imprisonment.
These checks are an integral part of the UK government’s efforts to maintain immigration control, uphold the rule of law, and create a fair and secure housing rental environment for both tenants and landlords. Landlords must carry out these checks before allowing individuals to rent their properties, helping to ensure that individuals who reside in the UK do so in compliance with immigration regulations.
Who Is Subject to Right to Rent Checks?
Overseas students renting accommodation in the UK may be subject to these checks. It will depend on where and from whom you are renting your accommodation from.
Do I need a Student Right to Rent Check?
In October 2022, the UK government introduced Right to Rent checks for overseas students. However, you will only need to undertake a Right to Rent check if you are:
Renting accommodation in the private sector
All private landlords in England are legally required to make tenants undergo ‘right to rent’ checks. A Right to Rent check will ensure that all tenants have the legal right to be in the UK.
For students entering a new tenancy agreement or that are extending a current tenancy agreement in private accommodation, they will need to have their Right to Rent checked by landlord or letting agent before they can move in to the property or continue living in an existing property.
Students living in Halls of Residence will not need to undergo a Right to Rent check.
What will I need to show my landlord for my Right to Rent check?
Your landlord will have a legal duty to confirm that you are in the UK legally and will do this either by manually checking your documents or by using an online method to prove your right to rent.
Preparing for Right to Rent Checks
Preparing for Right to Rent checks for overseas students checks is a crucial step for international students renting accommodation in the UK. Landlords or their agents will require specific documents to verify your Right to Rent in the country. Here are the essential document requirements and tips to ensure a smooth process:
Document Requirements:
Passport: Your valid passport is a primary document for proving your identity and immigration status. It should be in good condition, with no significant damage or alterations.
Visa: If you are in the UK on a visa, you will need to provide a copy of your valid visa. Ensure that your visa is within its validity period.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If applicable, your BRP serves as comprehensive proof of your immigration status and Right to Rent. Make sure it is up-to-date and undamaged.
Travel Documents: Some individuals may hold alternative travel documents issued by the UK government or international organisations. These documents can also be used to prove Right to Rent checks for overseas students.
Residence Cards: If you have a residence card issued as a family member of an EEA national or other qualifying individuals, it may be required for Right to Rent checks.
Proof of Settled Status: Individuals with settled status or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) should provide evidence of their settled status, such as a document confirming their ILR.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Risks for Landlords:
Landlords who fail to carry out Right to Rent checks or rent to someone without the legal right to reside in the UK can face fines and even imprisonment.
Risks for Tenants:
Tenants who are found to be living in the UK without the Right to Rent can face eviction, deportation, and difficulties in future visa applications.
Navigating Right to Rent checks as an overseas student may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it becomes a manageable part of your UK experience. Understanding your responsibilities, keeping your documents in order, and communicating effectively with your landlord or agent can help you meet the requirements and enjoy your time in the UK with confidence. Remember that staying informed and compliant with UK immigration laws is key to a successful and enriching experience.
And your university international student team will always be on hand to help you.
