What UK Landlords Need to Know About Digital ID and Right to Rent Checks
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has outlined plans to introduce mandatory digital ID cards – referred to as the “Brit Card” – for all adults in the UK. These digital IDs will serve as proof of an individual’s right to live and work in the UK and will be required for starting a new job and renting a property.
This represents a notable change from the current system, where tenants typically present physical documents, such as passports or biometric residence permits, for Right to Rent checks.
So how will this affect landlords?
Under the new system, tenants will present their digital ID via a smartphone app. Landlords will then verify the tenant’s status by checking the ID against a central government database. This aims to reduce the risk of fraudulent documents and improve enforcement against illegal renting.
The government says the digital ID system will:
- Support immigration enforcement by making it more difficult to work or rent without legal status;
- Streamline identity checks and reduce reliance on paper documents; and
- Support landlords with a more secure and consistent verification process.
While the government views the Brit Card as a tool to improve compliance and reduce fraud, civil liberties groups have raised concerns about privacy and the potential impact on vulnerable individuals.
What should landlords do now?
The policy is expected to go through consultation and legislation in the coming months, so it’s not yet law. Landlords should review their current Right to Rent procedures and consider how they might adapt to digital verification. Watch for updates from the Home Office and landlord associations about implementation timelines and compliance requirements.
Forsters’ Residential Property team is closely monitoring developments in landlord compliance and tenant verification. Whether you’re a portfolio landlord or letting a single property, our team can help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure your procedures are watertight.
Subcribe to news and views
