February 1 saw the Right to Rent process come into force.

Amanda McCabe, manager of FBM Residential Lettings, said: “We have for some time insisted on all applicants giving us suitable ID to check that they are eligible to rent.”

Amanda also explained that FBM use a referencing company who will now inform applicants if they need any other suitable documentation so they have everything covered.

She continued: “The only difference now is that the documentation has to be original and not copied and handed in when the applicant puts in an application to us. We will not accept copies via email etc. We are not sure how this will affect applicants from away who come here for work, but we are confident we can overcome any small problems.”

So how do you actually make a check? In order to comply with ‘right to rent’ tenant checks you need to: check which adults will be living at your property and make sure that it’s their main home. If it’s their main home, the majority of their belongings should be there and you would expect them to have registered with the local doctor and have recorded your property as their primary residence on the electoral register; ask to see the original documents that allow the tenant to live in the UK. Copies are not sufficient.

It goes without saying that you should check them thoroughly, and ensure that the dates on the documents haven’t expired, the photos match the tenants and that they don’t look damaged or tampered with; make your own copies of these documents and keep them safe. You should also record the date that you make the check.

As with all things in the property world, effective record-keeping will save you a lot of time and heartache down the road.

Added Amanda: “Those in any doubt as to what you are to do to comply, should check www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents or give the office a call to speak to one of our team on (01834) 849288. ”