We shouldn't rush ahead with immigration checks just yet.

You will undoubtedly be aware of the governments plan to roll out immigration checks across the UK to all landlords and agencies when vetting overseas tenants. The plan has been to do this ASAP now that the Conservatives hold a majority government,  yet my advice is to hold that thought until the results of the pilot scheme, currently being run in the West Midlands has been complied and considered.

Only last week a reminder was sent out for landlords and agents in this region to complete the official survey which suggests that we will not see any concrete findings until later this year.

It seems illogical to roll out a scheme without firstly considering the results of this pilot and all affected parties and representatives having had the right to discuss before any decision is taken on who has the 'right to rent'.

There clearly is alot that needs considering before simply rolling this out. There must be consideration on agent and landlord workload in addition to how effective the checks will be, not to mention whether there will be robust Home Office support for all parties concerned. It would also be interesting to note exactly what the associated costs for these sort of checks will be when you consider that landlord, and certainly agencies, are under intense scrutiny regarding the fees they already charge tenants.

All in all I am hoping that we achieve a considered approach to this proposed legislation rather than going in feet first without a thought for the people it will really affect. Time will tell whether this government will firstly consider the opinions of those that matter before introducing anything.

More to follow....

Regards

Richard