Further Covid-19 measures introduced by the Home Office affecting right to rent and right to work checks

Important new measures affecting right to rent and right to work checks were announced by the Home Office today in response to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

The changes enable landlords and employers to check original documents via video rather than in person, and also enable prospective renters and workers to submit scanned copies of documents.

"I have introduced these temporary changes to help employers and landlords conduct checks more easily as people follow advice to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives, during the coronavirus outbreak," the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said.

The new guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks states:

• checks can now be carried out over video calls
• job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals
• employers should use the Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents

The very similar guidance in the new Coronavirus (COVID-19): landlord right to rent checks document says:

• checks can now be carried out over video calls
• tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals
• landlords should use the Landlord's Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the existing documents

The changes take effect immediately from today and will last for an as yet unknown temporary period.

In related news, the Home Office also confirmed today that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the functioning of the EU Settlement Scheme.

"While applications continue to be processed, during this challenging time they will take longer than usual. In addition, in line with the latest Public Health England advice some of our support services and application routes have temporarily changed," the Home Office said.

The Settlement Resolution Centre (SRC) will no longer be answering telephone calls, though it continues to accept emails. In addition, all ID document scanner locations are closed and the postal route for submitting identity evidence is currently suspended.

Applications can still be made online using the 'EU Exit: ID Document Check' app.