Right to rent issues. Help!

Cavacrol

Several weeks ago I reserved a new flat -- passed references, paid initial deposit etc. As part of the referencing the referencing company asked for a scan of my passport and verified it using some kind of online system, and I passed everything.

Although I have a scan of my (expired) passport, I don't have a physical copy of the real thing (I lost it and didn't get round to replacing it because I never travel these days).

The new landlord has just written to me to check all is OK with my move-in date (which he kindly brought forward to this Friday) and to say that he can't give me the keys on the move-in day unless I bring my passport in with me and show it to him.

I won't be able to get a new passport in time (and can't afford to right now either). Because my name has changed since the lost passport (due to marital surname), I'm told the same-day or 48 hour new passport options aren't available to me.

I'm born in the UK, British citizen. Isn't there any other way they can verify that I'm British and have the right to rent???? After all, not everybody actually does have a passport.

PasturesNew

An out of date passport + your marriage license is "legal tender" for many organisations .... find out who will accept them then hit him with that argument ... and your Joker Card can be when you pull out your wedding album and start talking him through it.

He'll soon think "Blimey... yeah... just !!!!!! love, here are the keys"



Nobody wants the wedding album .... that'll seal the keys for you.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Explain this to your landlord and ask what other forms of ID or proof of former address they would find acceptable; offer a job reference if necessary. What about documentation relating to the name change?

PlymouthMaid

Would a birth certificate not suffice for this check? I haven't got a passport or a marriage licence and don't want either so i hope there is an alternative list of suitable documents.

Cavacrol

PlymouthMaid wrote: »

Would a birth certificate not suffice for this check? I haven't got a passport or a marriage licence and don't want either so i hope there is an alternative list of suitable documents.

a birth certificate REALLY should be acceptable. They've already confirmed my identity, spoken to employer etc. Plus they should have mentioned this requirement to hand them a passport in person right from the start.

Pixie5740

A birth certificate is acceptable.

https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents/how-to-check

However, a birth certificate on its own is not sufficient, you will need a second document as well.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/497242/Right_to_Rent_Document_Checks_-_a_User_Guide.pdf

always_sunny

Cavacrol wrote: »

a birth certificate REALLY should be acceptable. They've already confirmed my identity, spoken to employer etc. Plus they should have mentioned this requirement to hand them a passport in person right from the start.

How can the birth certificate prove that it's you? Anyone of the same gender and roughly same age could be you?
Surely you must have some sort of ID with a photo! No driver license?

Also if you have lost your old passport hopefully you have report it as such to the authorities! If you managed to pass the checks more likely it's still active even if expired!

G_M

Pixie has linked to the relevant government advice for landlords.

Cavacrol

it seems a birth certificate and letter from employer or letter from Brit passport holder is legally acceptable. It depends on whether the landlord chooses to accept that or not though. Waiting to hear back.

G_M wrote: »

Pixie has linked to the relevant government advice for landlords.

G_M

Print off the gov advice. If the LL does not accept what you've provided, give him the leaflet.

Cavacrol

will do. I've just spoken to landlord and he said he can accept a document from the Home Office confirming that I have a right to live and rent in the UK. But I doubt the Home Office is in the business of sending such letters to UK citizens?

G_M wrote: »

Print off the gov advice. If the LL does not accept what you've provided, give him the leaflet.