Introduction
Right to Rent checks have been a legal requirement for landlords in England for nearly a decade. These checks help ensure that tenants are legally allowed to live in the UK. But recent reforms are making this system more complex — and more crucial — for landlords and letting agents in Harrow, Uxbridge, Hillingdon, and beyond. At Tenancy Managers, we believe that staying ahead of these changes is key to protecting your property and your tenants.
What Is Right to Rent? And What’s Changing
The Existing Framework
Landlords must carry out “Right to Rent” checks by verifying the immigration status of prospective adult tenants before granting them a tenancy. Failure to do so can result in heavy penalties. The current Code of Practice, in force since February 2024, outlines how to carry out these checks, including using the Home Office online service.
Emerging Reform Pressures
Although there’s no wholesale repeal of the Right to Rent scheme yet, the rental sector is paying close attention to possible reforms:
- The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is set to reshape many parts of the private rented sector.
- According to the government’s implementation roadmap, several changes will roll out from 1 May 2026, including stronger enforcement, a landlords’ database, and enhanced rights for tenants.
These reforms may indirectly influence how Right to Rent checks are handled — especially as more emphasis is placed on fair access and accountability in the rental market.
Implications for Landlords in Harrow, Uxbridge & Hillingdon
- More scrutiny & enforcement
As reform accelerates, landlords may be required to carry out more rigorous checks or document existing checks more carefully. Mistakes could lead to civil penalties. - Administrative burden
The introduction of a portable database for private landlords (expected in later phases of reform) means more data sharing and reporting might become routine. - Risk of compliance failures
For landlords not already compliant, the risk of falling foul of Right to Rent obligations grows greater — especially as more regulatory and enforcement powers are expected. - Impact on tenant selection
With stronger tenant protections being introduced under the broader Renters’ Rights Act, landlords may feel pressure to get their Right to Rent procedures right — to avoid both penalties and legal disputes.
What Tenants Should Know
- Right to Rent does not guarantee a tenancy: Even if you pass the Right to Rent check, the landlord can still refuse your application for other reasons.
- Legal protection: Reforms could eventually make it harder for landlords to misuse Right to Rent checks, as tenant fairness becomes a bigger part of housing policy.
- Document your status: Always keep copies (or check-sharecodes) of your immigration or status documents — these could be needed for future verification.
How Tenancy Managers Can Help
At Tenancy Managers, we’re proactively preparing for these Right to Rent reforms by:
- Conducting full right-to-rent audits on all new and renewing tenancies.
- Training our team on the latest Home Office checking procedures and the 2024 Code of Practice.
- Supporting landlords in documenting and storing checks properly, reducing risk of legal penalties.
- Guiding tenants through their rights and helping them demonstrate lawful rental status.
Key Take-Aways
- Right to Rent checks remain mandatory and may become more strictly enforced.
- The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 could reshape the way these checks interact with wider tenant protections.
- Both landlords and tenants should stay informed and prepare now — especially in competitive areas like Harrow, Uxbridge, and Hillingdon.
- Working with a local, experienced letting agent like Tenancy Managers ensures compliance and peace of mind.
