The Government has updated its How to Rent leaflet to take into account changes introduced yesterday with the national roll-out across England of Right to Rent checks.

The leaflet must be given by landlords and agents to tenants before the start of a tenancy. The requirement is for the latest version to be given, so the update is important.

The new version tells prospective tenants that landlords and agents will want to confirm their immigration status.

It says that checks must be made on all people aged over 18 who will be living in the property.

Agents and landlords will need to make copies of documents and return the originals.

The leaflet also tells tenants that they will not be able to rent the property if they cannot provide evidence of their right to rent, and that landlords must not practice discrimination.

Tenants are also advised that a copy of the guide, “How to rent: the checklist for renting in England”, must be provided to them by the landlord or agent.

It makes clear that it can be provided either via a link or as a printed copy