The introduction of the Immigration Act 2016 and amends the Immigration Act 2014.
New provisions have introduced the criminal offence of “leasing premises” to someone who does not have a “right to rent”.
It is a criminal offence for a landlord to let a property to an illegal migrant. This can be with the landlords full knowledge or if they believe the person is an illegal migrant.
A landlord, or agent, who is guilty of the offence is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of up to five years.
The Act makes it easier for landlords to evict existing illegal migrant tenants. Landlords will be able to get a notice from the Home Office to end tenancies for occupants with no right to rent.