Immigration Act 2014

CHAPTER 1 U.K. Residential tenancies

Key interpretation U.K.

20 Residential tenancy agreement U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) “Residential tenancy agreement” means a tenancy which—

(a) grants a right of occupation of premises for residential use,

(b) provides for payment of rent (whether or not a market rent), and

(c) is not an excluded agreement.

(3) In subsection (2), “tenancy” includes—

(a) any lease, licence, sub-lease or sub-tenancy, and

(b) an agreement for any of those things,

and in this Chapter references to “landlord” and “tenant”, and references to premises being “leased”, are to be read accordingly.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (2)(a), an agreement grants a right of occupation of premises “for residential use” if, under the agreement, one or more adults have the right to occupy the premises as their only or main residence (whether or not the premises may also be used for other purposes).

(5) In subsection (2)(b) “rent” includes any sum paid in the nature of rent.

(6) In subsection (2)(c) “excluded agreement” means any agreement of a description for the time being specified in Schedule 3.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedule 3 so as to—

(a) add a new description of excluded agreement,

(b) remove any description, or

(c) amend any description.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 20 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(a)

I2 S. 20 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(a)

21 Persons disqualified by immigration status or with limited right to rent U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, a person (“P”) is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement if—

(a) P is not a relevant national, and

(b) P does not have a right to rent in relation to the premises.

(2) P does not have a “right to rent” in relation to premises if—

(a) P requires leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom but does not have it, or

(b) P's leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom is subject to a condition preventing P from occupying the premises.

(3) But P is to be treated as having a right to rent in relation to premises (in spite of subsection (2)) if the Secretary of State has granted P permission for the purposes of this Chapter to occupy premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(4) References in this Chapter to a person with a “limited right to rent” are references to—

(a) a person who has been granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for a limited period, or

(b) a person who—

(i) is not a relevant national, F1 ...

F1 (ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) In this section “relevant national” means—

(a) a British citizen,

[F2 (aa) an Irish citizen, or

(ab) a person who is not an Irish citizen and who has leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom which was granted by virtue of residence scheme immigration rules within the meaning given by section 17 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020.]

F3 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 21(4)(b)(ii) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 20(2)(a)

F2 S. 21(5)(aa)(ab) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 20(2)(b)(i)

F3 S. 21(5)(b)(c) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 20(2)(b)(ii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 21 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Citizens' Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1209), regs. 1(1), 3(4), 4(5), 12(1)(n)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 21 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(b)

I4 S. 21 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(b)

Penalty notices U.K.

22 Persons disqualified by immigration status not to be leased premises U.K.

(1) A landlord must not authorise an adult to occupy premises under a residential tenancy agreement if the adult is disqualified as a result of their immigration status.

(2) A landlord is to be taken to “authorise” an adult to occupy premises in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) if (and only if) there is a contravention of this section.

(3) There is a contravention of this section in either of the following cases.

(4) The first case is where a residential tenancy agreement is entered into that, at the time of entry, grants a right to occupy premises to—

(a) a tenant who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status,

(b) another adult named in the agreement who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status, or

(c) another adult not named in the agreement who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status (subject to subsection (6)).

(5) The second case is where—

(a) a residential tenancy agreement is entered into that grants a right to occupy premises on an adult with a limited right to rent,

(b) the adult later becomes a person disqualified as a result of their immigration status, and

(c) the adult continues to occupy the premises after becoming disqualified.

(6) There is a contravention as a result of subsection (4)(c) only if—

(a) reasonable enquiries were not made of the tenant before entering into the agreement as to the relevant occupiers, or

(b) reasonable enquiries were so made and it was, or should have been, apparent from the enquiries that the adult in question was likely to be a relevant occupier.

(7) Any term of a residential tenancy agreement that prohibits occupation of premises by a person disqualified by their immigration status is to be ignored for the purposes of determining whether there has been a contravention of this section if—

(a) the landlord knew when entering into the agreement that the term would be breached, or

(b) the prescribed requirements were not complied with before entering into the agreement.

(8) It does not matter for the purposes of this section whether or not—

(a) a right of occupation is exercisable on entering into an agreement or from a later date;

(b) a right of occupation is granted unconditionally or on satisfaction of a condition.

(9) A contravention of this section does not affect the validity or enforceability of any provision of a residential tenancy agreement by virtue of any rule of law relating to the validity or enforceability of contracts in circumstances involving illegality.

(10) In this Chapter—

• “post-grant contravention” means a contravention in the second case mentioned in subsection (5);

• “pre-grant contravention” means a contravention in the first case mentioned in subsection (4);

• “relevant occupier”, in relation to a residential tenancy agreement, means any adult who occupies premises under the agreement (whether or not named in the agreement).

Commencement Information

I5 S. 22 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(c)

I6 S. 22 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(c)

23 Penalty notices: landlords U.K.

(1) If there is a contravention of section 22, the Secretary of State may give the responsible landlord a notice requiring the payment of a penalty.

(2) The amount of the penalty is such an amount as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, but the amount must not exceed [F4 £20,000].

(3) “Responsible landlord” means—

(a) in relation to a pre-grant contravention, the landlord who entered into the residential tenancy agreement;

(b) in relation to a post-grant contravention, the person who is the landlord under the agreement at the time of the contravention.

(4) But if there is a superior landlord in relation to the residential tenancy agreement who is responsible for the purposes of this section, the “responsible landlord” means that superior landlord (and references to the landlord in the following provisions of this Chapter are to be read accordingly).

(5) A superior landlord is “responsible for the purposes of this section” if arrangements in writing have been made in relation to the residential tenancy agreement between the landlord and the superior landlord under which the superior landlord accepts responsibility for—

(a) contraventions of section 22 generally, or

(b) contraventions of a particular description and the contravention in question is of that description.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order amend the amount for the time being specified in subsection (2).

Textual Amendments

F4 Sum in s. 23(2) substituted (13.2.2024) by The Immigration Act 2014 (Residential Accommodation) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/81), arts. 1(2), 2(2) (with art. 2(4))

Commencement Information

I7 S. 23 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(d)

I8 S. 23 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(d)

I9 S. 23(6) in force at 14.12.2023 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2023/1245, art. 2(a)

24 Excuses available to landlords U.K.

(1) This section applies where a landlord is given a notice under section 23 requiring payment of a penalty.

(2) Where the notice is given for a pre-grant contravention, the landlord is excused from paying the penalty if the landlord shows that—

(a) the prescribed requirements were complied with before the residential tenancy agreement was entered into, or

(b) a person acting as the landlord's agent is responsible for the contravention (see section 25(2)).

(3) The prescribed requirements may be complied with for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) at any time before the residential tenancy agreement is entered into.

(4) But where compliance with the prescribed requirements discloses that a relevant occupier is a person with a limited right to rent, the landlord is excused under subsection (2)(a) only if the requirements are complied with in relation to that occupier within such period as may be prescribed.

(5) The excuse under subsection (2)(a) or (b) is not available if the landlord knew that entering into the agreement would contravene section 22.

(6) Where the notice is given for a post-grant contravention, the landlord is excused from paying the penalty if any of the following applies—

(a) the landlord has notified the Secretary of State of the contravention as soon as reasonably practicable;

(b) a person acting as the landlord's agent is responsible for the contravention;

(c) the eligibility period in relation to the limited right occupier whose occupation caused the contravention has not expired.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6)(a), the landlord is to be taken to have notified the Secretary of State of the contravention “as soon as reasonably practicable” if the landlord—

(a) complied with the prescribed requirements in relation to each limited right occupier at the end of the eligibility period, and

(b) notified the Secretary of State of the contravention without delay on it first becoming apparent that the contravention had occurred.

(8) Notification under subsection (6)(a) must be in the prescribed form and manner.

(9) In this Chapter “limited right occupier”, in relation to a residential tenancy agreement, means a relevant occupier who had a limited right to rent at the time when the occupier was first granted a right to occupy the premises under the agreement.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 24 modified (1.12.2014) by The Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Cases) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2873), arts. 1, 7, Sch. paras. 3

C3 S. 24 modified (1.12.2014) by The Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Cases) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2873), arts. 1, 6, Sch. paras. 1

Commencement Information

I10 S. 24 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(e)

I11 S. 24 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(e)

25 Penalty notices: agents U.K.

(1) Subsection (3) applies where—

(a) a landlord contravenes section 22, and

(b) a person acting as the landlord's agent (“the agent”) is responsible for the contravention.

(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, an agent is responsible for a landlord's contravention of section 22 if (and only if)—

(a) the agent acts in the course of a business, and

(b) under arrangements made with the landlord in writing, the agent was under an obligation for the purposes of this Chapter to comply with the prescribed requirements on behalf of the landlord.

(3) The Secretary of State may give the agent a notice requiring the agent to pay a penalty.

(4) The amount of the penalty is such an amount as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, but the amount must not exceed [F5 £20,000].

(5) The Secretary of State may by order amend the amount for the time being specified in subsection (4).

Textual Amendments

F5 Sum in s. 25(4) substituted (13.2.2024) by The Immigration Act 2014 (Residential Accommodation) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/81), arts. 1(2), 2(3) (with art. 2(4))

Commencement Information

I12 S. 25 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(f)

I13 S. 25 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(f)

I14 S. 25(5) in force at 14.12.2023 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2023/1245, art. 2(b)

26 Excuses available to agents U.K.

(1) This section applies where an agent is given a notice under section 25 requiring payment of a penalty.

(2) Where the notice is given for a pre-grant contravention, the agent is excused from paying the penalty if the agent shows that the prescribed requirements were complied with before the residential tenancy agreement was entered into.

(3) The prescribed requirements may be complied with for the purposes of subsection (2) at any time before the residential tenancy agreement is entered into.

(4) But where compliance with the prescribed requirements discloses that a relevant occupier is a person with a limited right to rent, the agent is excused under subsection (2) only if the requirements are complied with in relation to that occupier within such period as may be prescribed.

(5) The excuse under subsection (2) is not available if the agent—

(a) knew that the landlord would contravene section 22 by entering into the agreement,

(b) had sufficient opportunity to notify the landlord of that fact before the landlord entered into the agreement, but

(c) did not do so.

(6) Where the notice is given for a post-grant contravention, the agent is excused from paying the penalty if either of the following applies—

(a) the agent has notified the Secretary of State and the landlord of the contravention as soon as reasonably practicable;

(b) the eligibility period in relation to the limited right occupier whose occupation caused the contravention has not expired.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6)(a), the agent is to be taken to have notified the Secretary of State and the landlord of the contravention “as soon as reasonably practicable” if the agent—

(a) complied with the prescribed requirements in relation to each limited right occupier at the end of the eligibility period, and

(b) notified the Secretary of State and the landlord of the contravention without delay on it first becoming apparent that the contravention had occurred.

(8) Notification under subsection (6)(a) must be in the prescribed form and manner.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 26 modified (1.12.2014) by The Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Cases) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2873), arts. 1, 7, Sch. paras. 4

C5 S. 26 modified (1.12.2014) by The Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Cases) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2873), arts. 1, 6, Sch. paras. 2

Commencement Information

I15 S. 26 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(g)

I16 S. 26 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(g)

27 Eligibility period U.K.

(1) An eligibility period in relation to a limited right occupier is established if the prescribed requirements are complied with in relation to the occupier.

(2) An eligibility period established under subsection (1) may be renewed (on one or more occasions) by complying with the prescribed requirements again.

(3) But an eligibility period in relation to a limited right occupier is only established or renewed under this section at any time if it reasonably appears from the information obtained in complying with the prescribed requirements at that time that the occupier is a person with a limited right to rent.

(4) The length of an eligibility period established or renewed under this section in relation to a limited right occupier is the longest of the following periods—

(a) the period of one year beginning with the time when the prescribed requirements were last complied with in relation to the occupier;

(b) so much of any leave period as remains at that time;

(c) so much of any validity period as remains at that time.

(5) In subsection (4)—

• “leave period” means a period for which the limited right occupier was granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom;

• “validity period” means the period for which an immigration document issued to the limited right occupier by or on behalf of the Secretary of State is valid.

(6) In subsection (5) “immigration document” means a document of a prescribed description which—

F6 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) grants to the holder a right to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for such period as the document may authorise.

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 27(6)(a) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 20(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 27 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Citizens' Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1209), regs. 1(1), 3(4), 4(5), 12(1)(o)

Commencement Information

I17 S. 27 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(h)

I18 S. 27 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(h)

28 Penalty notices: general U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may give a penalty notice—

(a) to a landlord under section 23 without having established whether the landlord is excused from paying the penalty under section 24;

(b) to an agent under section 25 without having established whether the agent is excused from paying the penalty under section 26.

(2) A penalty notice must—

(a) be in writing,

(b) state why the Secretary of State thinks the recipient is liable to the penalty,

(c) state the amount of the penalty,

(d) specify a date, at least 28 days after the date specified in the notice as the date on which it is given, before which the penalty must be paid,

(e) specify how a penalty must be paid,

(f) explain how the recipient may object to the penalty or make an appeal against it, and

(g) explain how the Secretary of State may enforce the penalty.

(3) A separate penalty notice may be given in respect of each adult disqualified by their immigration status in relation to whom there is a contravention of section 22.

(4) Where a penalty notice is given to two or more persons who jointly constitute the landlord or agent in relation to a residential tenancy agreement, those persons are jointly and severally liable for any sum payable to the Secretary of State as a penalty imposed by the notice.

(5) A penalty notice may not be given in respect of any adult if—

(a) the adult has ceased to occupy the premises concerned, and

(b) a period of 12 months or more has passed since the time when the adult last occupied the premises,

but this subsection is not to be taken as affecting the validity of a penalty notice given before the end of that period.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to a penalty notice given after the end of the 12 month period mentioned in that subsection if—

(a) it is a new penalty notice given by virtue of section 29(6)(b) on the determination of an objection to another penalty notice, and

(b) that other penalty notice was given before the end of the period.

Commencement Information

I19 S. 28 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(i)

I20 S. 28 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(i)

Objections, appeals and enforcement U.K.

29 Objection U.K.

(1) The recipient of a penalty notice (“the recipient”) may object on the ground that—

(a) the recipient is not liable to the imposition of the penalty,

(b) the recipient is excused by virtue of section 24 or 26, or

(c) the amount of the penalty is too high.

(2) An objection must be made by giving a notice of objection to the Secretary of State.

(3) A notice of objection must—

(a) be in writing,

(b) give the reasons for the objection,

(c) be given in the prescribed manner, and

(d) be given before the end of the prescribed period.

(4) In considering a notice of objection to a penalty the Secretary of State must have regard to the code of practice under section 32.

(5) On considering a notice of objection the Secretary of State may—

(a) cancel the penalty,

(b) reduce the penalty,

(c) increase the penalty, or

(d) determine to take no action.

(6) After reaching a decision as to how to proceed under subsection (5) the Secretary of State must—

(a) notify the recipient of the decision (including the amount of any increased or reduced penalty) before the end of the prescribed period or such longer period as the Secretary of State may agree with the recipient, and

(b) if the penalty is increased, issue a new penalty notice under section 23 or (as the case may be) section 25.

Commencement Information

I21 S. 29 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(j)

I22 S. 29 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(j)

30 Appeals U.K.

(1) The recipient may appeal to the court on the ground that—

(a) the recipient is not liable to the imposition of a penalty,

(b) the recipient is excused payment as a result of section 24 or 26, or

(c) the amount of the penalty is too high.

(2) The court may—

(a) allow the appeal and cancel the penalty,

(b) allow the appeal and reduce the penalty, or

(c) dismiss the appeal.

(3) An appeal is to be a re-hearing of the Secretary of State's decision to impose a penalty and is to be determined having regard to—

(a) the code of practice under section 32 that has effect at the time of the appeal, and

(b) any other matters which the court thinks relevant (which may include matters of which the Secretary of State was unaware).

(4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any provisions of rules of court.

(5) An appeal may be brought only if the recipient has given a notice of objection under section 29 and the Secretary of State—

(a) has determined the objection by issuing to the recipient the penalty notice (as a result of increasing the penalty under section 29(5)(c)),

(b) has determined the objection by—

(i) reducing the penalty under section 29(5)(b), or

(ii) taking no action under section 29(5)(d), or

(c) has not informed the recipient of a decision before the end of the period that applies for the purposes of section 29(6)(a).

(6) An appeal must be brought within the period of 28 days beginning with the relevant date.

(7) Where the appeal is brought under subsection (5)(a), the relevant date is the date specified in the penalty notice issued in accordance with section 29(6)(b) as the date on which it is given.

(8) Where the appeal is brought under subsection (5)(b), the relevant date is the date specified in the notice informing the recipient of the decision for the purposes of section 29(6)(a) as the date on which it is given.

(9) Where the appeal is brought under subsection (5)(c), the relevant date is the date on which the period that applies for the purposes of section 29(6)(a) ends.

(10) In this section “the court” means—

(a) the county court, if the appeal relates to a residential tenancy agreement in relation to premises in England and Wales;

(b) the sheriff, if the appeal relates to a residential tenancy agreement in relation to premises in Scotland;

(c) a county court in Northern Ireland, if the appeal relates to a residential tenancy agreement in relation to premises in Northern Ireland.

Commencement Information

I23 S. 30 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(k)

I24 S. 30 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(k)

31 Enforcement U.K.

(1) This section applies where a sum is payable to the Secretary of State as a penalty under this Chapter.

(2) In England and Wales the penalty is recoverable as if it were payable under an order of the county court in England and Wales.

(3) In Scotland the penalty may be enforced in the same manner as an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(4) In Northern Ireland the penalty is recoverable as if it were payable under an order of a county court in Northern Ireland.

(5) Where action is taken under this section for the recovery of a sum payable as a penalty under this Chapter, the penalty is—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, to be treated for the purposes of section 98 of the Courts Act 2003 (register of judgments and orders etc) as if it were a judgment entered in the county court;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, to be treated for the purposes of Article 116 of the Judgments Enforcement (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/226 (N.I. 6)) (register of judgments) as if it were a judgment in respect of which an application has been accepted under Article 22 or 23(1) of that Order.

(6) Money paid to the Secretary of State by way of a penalty must be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Commencement Information

I25 S. 31 in force at 1.12.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 6(1)(l)

I26 S. 31 in force at 1.2.2016 for E. in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2016/11, art. 2(l)

Codes of practice U.K.

32 General matters U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must issue a code of practice for the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) The code must specify factors that the Secretary of State will consider when determining the amount of a penalty imposed under this Chapter.

(3) The code may contain guidance about—

(a) factors that the Secretary of State will consider when determining whether—

(i) a residential tenancy agreement grants a right of occupation of premises for residential use, or

(ii) a person is occupying premises as an only or main residence;

(b) the reasonable enquiries that a landlord should make to determine the identity of relevant occupiers in relation to a residential tenancy agreement (so far as they are not named in the agreement);

(c) any other matters in connection with this Chapter that the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(4) Guidance under subsection (3)(a) may in particular relate to the treatment for the purposes of this Chapter of arrangements that are made in connection with holiday lettings or lettings for purposes connected with business travel.

(5) The Secretary of State must from time to time review the code and may revise and re-issue it following a review.

(6) The code (or revised code)—

(a) may not be issued unless a draft has been laid before Parliament, and

(b) comes into force in accordance with provision made by order of the Secretary of State.

Commencement Information

I27 S. 32 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(a)

33 Discrimination U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must issue a code of practice specifying what a landlord or agent should or should not do to ensure that, while avoiding liability to pay a penalty under this Chapter, the landlord or agent also avoids contravening—

(a) the Equality Act 2010, so far as relating to race, or

(b) the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/869 (N.I. 6)).

(2) The Secretary of State must from time to time review the code and may revise and re-issue it following a review.

(3) Before issuing the code (or a revised code) the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the Commission for Equality and Human Rights,

(b) the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, and

(c) such persons representing the interests of landlords and tenants as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(4) After consulting under subsection (3) the Secretary of State must—

(a) publish a draft code, and

(b) consider any representations made about the published draft.

(5) The code (or revised code)—

(a) may not be issued unless a draft has been laid before Parliament (prepared after considering representations under subsection (4)(b) and with or without modifications to reflect the representations), and

(b) comes into force in accordance with provision made by order of the Secretary of State.

(6) A breach of the code—

(a) does not make a person liable to civil or criminal proceedings, but

(b) may be taken into account by a court or tribunal.

Commencement Information

I28 S. 33 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(b)

[F7 Offences U.K.

Textual Amendments

F7 Ss. 33A-33C and cross-heading inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 39(2), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(c)

33A Offences: landlords U.K.

(1) The landlord under a residential tenancy agreement which relates to premises in England commits an offence if the first and second conditions are met.

(2) The first condition is that the premises are occupied by an adult who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(3) The second condition is that the landlord knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the premises are occupied by an adult who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(4) But unless subsection (5) applies the landlord does not commit an offence under subsection (1) if—

(a) the premises are located in an area in relation to which section 22 is in force,

(b) the adult mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) is a limited right occupier, and

(c) the eligibility period in relation to that occupier has not expired.

(5) This subsection applies if the Secretary of State has given a notice in writing to the landlord which—

(a) identifies the adult mentioned in subsections (2) and (3), and

(b) states that the adult is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(6) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that—

(a) the person has taken reasonable steps to terminate the residential tenancy agreement, and

(b) the person has taken such steps within a reasonable period beginning with the time when the person first knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the premises were occupied by the adult mentioned in subsections (2) and (3).

(7) In determining whether subsection (6)(a) or (b) applies to a person, the court must have regard to any guidance which, at the time in question, had been issued by the Secretary of State for the purposes of that subsection and was in force at that time.

(8) Guidance issued for the purposes of subsection (6)—

(a) must be laid before Parliament in draft before being issued, and

(b) comes into force in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(9) Section 22(9) applies for the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies for the purposes of that section.

(10) A person commits an offence if—

(a) there has been a post-grant contravention in relation to a residential tenancy agreement which relates to premises in England,

(b) the person is the responsible landlord in relation to the post-grant contravention,

(c) the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that there has been a post-grant contravention in relation to the agreement, and

(d) none of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of section 24(6) applies in relation to the post-grant contravention.

(11) Subsection (10) applies whether or not the landlord is given a notice under section 23 in respect of the contravention.

33B Offences: agents U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) applies to an agent who is responsible for a landlord's contravention of section 22 in relation to premises in England.

(2) The agent commits an offence if the agent—

(a) knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the landlord would contravene section 22 by entering into the residential tenancy agreement in question,

(b) had sufficient opportunity to notify the landlord of that fact before the landlord entered into the agreement, but

(c) did not do so.

(3) Subsection (4) applies where—

(a) a landlord contravenes section 22 in relation to a residential tenancy agreement relating to premises in England,

(b) the contravention is a post-grant contravention, and

(c) a person acting as the landlord's agent (“the agent”) is responsible for the post-grant contravention.

(4) The agent commits an offence if—

(a) the agent knows or has reasonable cause to believe that there has been a post-grant contravention in relation to the agreement, and

(b) neither of paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 26(6) applies in relation to the post-grant contravention.

(5) Subsection (4) applies whether or not the agent is given a notice under section 25 in respect of the contravention.

33C Offences: penalties etc U.K.

(1) A person who is guilty of an offence under section 33A or 33B is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, to a fine or to both;

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F8 the general limit in a magistrates’ court], to a fine or to both.

(2) In the application of this section in relation to an offence committed before [F9 2 May 2022] the reference in subsection (1)(b) to [F10 the general limit in a magistrates’ court] is to be read as a reference to 6 months.

(3) If an offence under section 33A or 33B is committed by a body corporate with the consent or connivance of an officer of the body, the officer, as well as the body, is to be treated as having committed the offence.

(4) In subsection (3) a reference to an officer of a body includes a reference to—

(a) a director, manager or secretary,

(b) a person purporting to act as a director, manager or secretary, and

(c) if the affairs of the body are managed by its members, a member.

(5) Where an offence under section 33A or 33B is committed by a partnership (whether or not a limited partnership) subsection (3) has effect, but as if a reference to an officer of the body were a reference to—

(a) a partner, and

(b) a person purporting to act as a partner.

(6) An offence under section 33A or 33B is to be treated as—

(a) a relevant offence for the purposes of sections 28B and 28D of the Immigration Act 1971 (search, entry and arrest), and

(b) an offence under Part 3 of that Act (criminal proceedings) for the purposes of sections 28E, 28G and 28H of that Act (search after arrest).]

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 33C(1)(b) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F9 Words in s. 33C(2) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F10 Words in s. 33C(2) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

[F11 Eviction U.K.

Textual Amendments

F11 Ss. 33D, 33E and cross-heading inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 40(2), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(d)

33D Termination of agreement where all occupiers disqualified U.K.

(1) The landlord under a residential tenancy agreement relating to premises in England may terminate the agreement in accordance with this section if the condition in subsection (2) is met.

(2) The condition is that the Secretary of State has given one or more notices in writing to the landlord which, taken together,—

(a) identify the occupier of the premises or (if there is more than one occupier) all of them, and

(b) state that the occupier or occupiers are disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(3) The landlord may terminate the residential tenancy agreement by giving notice in writing and in the prescribed form to the tenant or, in the case of a joint tenancy, all of the tenants specifying the date on which the agreement comes to an end.

(4) That date must not be earlier than the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day specified in the notice as the day on which it is given.

(5) The notice may be given—

(a) by delivering it to the tenant or tenants,

(b) by leaving it at the premises,

(c) by sending it by post to the tenant or tenants at the address of the premises, or

(d) in any other prescribed manner.

(6) The notice is to be treated as a notice to quit in a case where a notice to quit would otherwise be required to bring the residential tenancy agreement to an end.

(7) The notice is enforceable as if it were an order of the High Court.

(8) In this section “occupier”, in relation to premises to which a residential tenancy agreement applies, means—

(a) a tenant,

(b) a person who, under the agreement, otherwise has the right to occupy the premises and is named in the agreement, and

(c) any other person who the landlord knows is occupying the premises.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 33D(3) modified (1.12.2016) by The Immigration (Residential Accommodation) (Termination of Residential Tenancy Agreements) (Guidance etc.) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1060), regs. 1(1), 3, Sch.

33E Other procedures for ending agreement U.K.

(1) It is an implied term of a residential tenancy agreement to which this subsection applies that the landlord may terminate the tenancy if the premises to which it relates are occupied by an adult who is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement.

(2) Subsection (1) applies to a residential tenancy agreement relating to premises in England if—

(a) it is a tenancy or sub-tenancy or an agreement for a tenancy or sub-tenancy, but

(b) it is not a protected or statutory tenancy within the meaning of the Rent Act 1977 or an assured tenancy within the meaning of the Housing Act 1988.

(3) For provision relating to a residential tenancy agreement which is a protected or statutory tenancy where a tenant or occupier is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement, see Case 10A in Part 1 of Schedule 15 to the Rent Act 1977.

(4) For provision relating to a residential tenancy agreement which is an assured tenancy where a tenant or occupier is disqualified as a result of their immigration status from occupying premises under a residential tenancy agreement, see Ground 7B in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988.]

General U.K.

34 Orders U.K.

(1) An order prescribing requirements for the purposes of this Chapter may, in particular, require a landlord or agent to—

(a) obtain a document of a prescribed description from relevant occupiers before or during the course of a residential tenancy agreement;

(b) obtain one document of each of a number of prescribed descriptions from relevant occupiers before or during the course of a residential tenancy agreement;

(c) take steps to verify, retain, copy or record the content of a document obtained in accordance with the order;

(d) take such other steps before or during the course of a residential tenancy agreement as the order may specify.

(2) If the draft of an instrument containing an order under or in connection with this Chapter would, apart from this subsection, be a hybrid instrument for the purposes of the standing orders of either House of Parliament, it is to proceed in that House as if it were not a hybrid instrument.

Commencement Information

I29 S. 34 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(c)

35 Transitional provision U.K.

(1) This Chapter does not apply in relation to a residential tenancy agreement entered into before the commencement day.

(2) This Chapter does not apply in relation to a residential tenancy agreement entered into on or after the commencement day (“the renewed agreement”) if—

(a) another residential tenancy agreement was entered into before the commencement day between the same parties (“the original agreement”), and

(b) the tenant has always had a right of occupation of the premises leased under the renewed agreement since entering into the original agreement.

(3) In this section “the commencement day” means such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different days may be appointed for different purposes or areas.

[F12 (4) References in this section to this Chapter do not include sections 33A to 33E (offences and eviction).

(5) Sections 33A to 33C apply in relation to a residential tenancy agreement entered into before or after the coming into force of section 39 of the Immigration Act 2016 (which inserted those sections into this Act).

(6) But sections 33A(10) and (11) and 33B apply only in relation to a contravention of section 22 which occurs after the coming into force of section 39 of the Immigration Act 2016.]

[F13 (7) Sections 33D and 33E apply in relation to a residential tenancy agreement entered into before or after the coming into force of section 40 of the Immigration Act 2016 (which inserted those sections into this Act).]

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 35(4)-(6) inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 39(3), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(c)

F13 S. 35(7) inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 40(3), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(b), 5(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 35(3): 1.12.2014 appointed as "the commencement day" by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 12

Commencement Information

I30 S. 35 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(d)

36 Crown application U.K.

This Chapter binds the Crown, except where the Crown is the responsible landlord for the purposes of section 23 [F14 or the landlord for the purposes of section 33A.]

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in s. 36 inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 39(4), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(c)

Commencement Information

I31 S. 36 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(e)

37 Interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Chapter—

• “adult” means a person who has attained the age of 18;

• “agreement” includes an agreement in any form (whether or not in writing);

• “eligibility period”, in relation to a limited right occupier, is to be read in accordance with section 27;

• “limited right occupier” has the meaning given in section 24(9);

• “occupy” means occupy as an only or main residence;

• “penalty notice” means a penalty notice given under this Chapter;

• “person with a limited right to rent” has the meaning given in section 21(4);

• “post-grant contravention” has the meaning given in section 22(10);

• “pre-grant contravention” has the meaning given in section 22(10);

• “premises” includes land, buildings, moveable structures, vehicles and vessels;

• “prescribed” means prescribed in an order made by the Secretary of State;

• “recipient” means the recipient of a penalty notice;

• “relevant occupier” has the meaning given in section 22(10);

• “residential tenancy agreement” has the meaning given in section 20(2).

(2) For the purposes of this Chapter a residential tenancy agreement grants a person a right to occupy premises if—

(a) the agreement expressly grants that person the right (whether or not by naming the person), or

(b) the person is permitted to occupy the premises by virtue of an express grant given to another person,

and references to a person occupying premises under an agreement are to be read accordingly.

(3) A reference in this Chapter to the “prescribed requirements”, in connection with compliance with the requirements at a particular time, is a reference only to such of the requirements as are capable of being complied with at that time.

(4) Where two or more persons jointly constitute the landlord in relation to a residential tenancy agreement—

(a) the references to the landlord in—

(i) section 22(7)(a),

(ii) section 24(5), (6)(a) and (7), F15 ...

(iii) section 26(6)(a) and (7)(b),

[F16 (iv) section 33A,]

[F17 (v) section 33D, and

(vi) section 33E,]

are to be taken as references to any of those persons;

(b) any other references to the landlord in this Chapter are to be taken as references to all of those persons.

(5) Where two or more persons jointly constitute the agent in relation to a residential tenancy agreement—

(a) the references to the agent in section 26(5), (6)(a) and (7) are to be taken as references to any of those persons;

(b) any other references to the agent in this Chapter are to be taken as references to all of those persons.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order prescribe cases in which—

(a) a residential tenancy agreement is, or is not, to be treated as being entered into for the purposes of this Chapter;

(b) a person is, or is not, to be treated as occupying premises as an only or main residence for the purposes of this Chapter.

(7) An order under subsection (6) prescribing a case may modify the application of this Chapter in relation to that case.

(8) The cases mentioned in subsection (6)(a) include, in particular, cases where—

(a) an option to renew an agreement is exercised;

(b) rights of occupation under an agreement are varied;

(c) an agreement is assigned (whether by the landlord or the tenant);

(d) a periodic tenancy arises at the end of a fixed term;

(e) an agreement grants a right of occupation on satisfaction of a condition;

(f) there is a change in the persons in occupation of the premises leased under an agreement or in the circumstances of any such person.

Textual Amendments

F15 Word in s. 37(4)(a)(ii) omitted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 39(5)(a), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(c)

F16 S. 37(4)(a)(iv) inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 39(5)(b), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(a), 5(c)

F17 S. 37(4)(a)(v)(vi) inserted (1.11.2016 for specified purposes, 1.12.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 40(4), 94(1); S.I. 2016/1037, regs. 2(b), 5(d)

Commencement Information

I32 S. 37 in force at 1.12.2014 by S.I. 2014/2771, art. 7(f)