Potential Fines for Landlords Regarding Right to Rent:
Landlords in the UK could face significant fines, potentially reaching as high as £20,000, for their failure to ensure that their tenants and lodgers possess the legal Right to Rent in the country.
Increased Fines for Landlords Dealing with Illegal Immigrants:
In cases where landlords engage with illegal immigrants as tenants, the fines are set to escalate significantly. For a first breach, the fines will rise from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier to a range of up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier.
In the case of repeat breaches, the fines will further increase, potentially reaching up to £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier. This marks a substantial hike from the previous fines of £500 and £3,000, respectively.
Imprisonment as a Potential Consequence:
It’s important to note that, in addition to fines, landlords can also face the possibility of imprisonment if they fail to adhere to the requirement of verifying the Right to Rent status of their occupiers.