The RLA claims the Right to Rent rules are creating a hostile environment, with 42% of landlords unwilling to rent properties to non-British people. This is making it very difficult for people without the right documentation to find homes in the private rental sector.
“This is causing needless tension and concern for tenants and landlords. It is time to suspend this controversial and unwelcome policy,” says David Smith, Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association.
Vulnerable Tenants are Being Exploited by Rogue Landlords
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants claims the Right to Rent policy is pushing vulnerable people straight into the arms of unscrupulous landlords who don’t care about checking a tenant’s legal right to remain the UK.
“The Right to Rent scheme imposes costly red tape on every landlord in the UK, and the Government has no evidence it’s working,” says Chai Patel, JCWI legal policy director.
Landlords Don’t Want Hassle
Opponents of the scheme say it’s not surprising that many landlords are refusing to let properties to people without a passport, UK drivers’ licence, or other key documents. Most landlords don’t want the hassle of checking a tenant’s immigration status, so they choose the path of least resistance.
The Right to Rent rules have been rolled out nationwide and more than £235 in fines have been recorded so far. The JCWI is seeking a judicial review of the controversial policy, arguing that Right to Rent contravenes Human Rights law.
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