Legal News

Landlords renting property to illegal immigrants could face up to five years in jail in a move as part of a drive to make it harder for migrants to live in the UK with no right to be in the country.

The move will be announced by the government on the 3rd of August as part of a drive to make it harder for migrants to live in the UK when they have no right to be in the country. It is also aimed at Landlords who house immigrants in unsafe and overcrowded properties. A blacklist of “rogue landlords” and letting agents who are repeat offenders will be created and they will be banned.

Under a law passed last year, landlords are required by law to check the residency status of tenants before offering them an agreement. If they fail to do so, they can face a civil penalty of up to £3000 a night per adult resident. The scheme, which was first introduced in the West Midlands, will be extended throughout England.

A criminal offence for landlords and agents who do not carry out the “right to rent” test or remove illegal immigrants will be included in the Immigration Bill which will be debated in Parliament this autumn. Repeat offenders could face fines, jailed for five years and have rent payments confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The new law, which will apply in England only, will enable landlords to evict illegal immigrants quickly. Tenancies could be ended immediately when a person’s leave to remain in the country expires.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors<.strong>

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise migrants to the UK on a wide range of immigration law, including illegal entry to the UK, asylum in the UK and asylum appeals, right to work in the UK and access to welfare benefits and housing.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline is available 24/7 with an accredited immigration lawyer available to advise on immigration matters.

For expert help with UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For 24/7 help at a police station or detention centre, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.