The Government's new right to rent code of practice comes into force from today. Landlords and letting agents will need to make themselves familiar with the code as, under s.22 of the Immigration Act 2014 "a landlord should not authorise an adult to occupy a property as their only or main home under a residential tenancy agreement, unless the adult is a British, or Irish citizen or has the "right to rent" in England.".

The code covers (amongst other things) who can occupy residential accommodation, what agreements come within the scheme and who can be liable for penalties. It can be accessed and downloaded here.

"Key information" for landlords on the right to rent check process including links to the online checking service (which must be used for people with biometric residence cards and permits) can be accessed here.