Landlords affected by changes to immigration laws

In her speech yesterday in Parliament, the Queen announced a number of changes to the Immigration Bill, aiming to "ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute, and deter those who will not." These changes could have implications for South West businesses and landlords, not just immigrants themselves.

One of the announced proposed changes to the Immigration Bill is that landlords will have to check the immigration status of prospective tenants before granting them a tenancy agreement – and if they don’t they will potentially have to pay a hefty fine.

Stephens Scown’s Ruby Anugwom, a solicitor specialising in immigration and nationality issues, says: “With over 30 different types of immigration visa, I cannot see how an individual will be able to adhere to the proposed changes to the law. The complexities involved show why there are specially trained immigration officers who deal with these issues, rather than putting the onus onto landlords.

“There is also a concern that these changes could lead to increased discrimination against prospective renters of black or middle-eastern (BME) backgrounds, foreign nationals and those with poor English,” continues Ruby.

Ruby is the only solicitor in Devon or Cornwall specialising in immigration issues, which impact on businesses and individuals alike by the very nature of the workforce in the South West.

Ruby adds: “Obviously the finer details of the proposed changes are yet to be announced and, at this stage, we can only speculate as to how they will be phased in and enforced. Ultimately Stephens Scown LLP is here to help not only private landlords, but also social landlords and managing agents as well as individual tenants.”

Other changes to the Immigration Bill include preventing immigrants accessing services to which they are not entitled, increased fines for businesses that use illegal immigrants, restricting the right of appeal against immigration decisions, and immigration officers being given more powers. All of these illustrate why a specialist solicitor such as Ruby Anugwom is a vital resource that businesses, organisations and individuals can utilise.

Ministers are yet to announce the final details of these changes and Ruby will be keeping a close eye on developments to the outline proposals. If you are concerned regarding these issues, or indeed any other immigration or nationality matters, Ruby Anugwom can be contacted on 01392 210700, or email her at immigration@stephens-scown.co.uk.

Stephens Scown has over 40 partners and 230 staff across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk