Landolrd ID

Rosemary7391

Remember that they must be set up to store these things securely because they'll have copies of similarly important information from tenants.

Rekusu

It's a letting agent. I would guess 'security' means a locked filing cabinet!

davidmcn

Rekusu wrote: »

It's a letting agent. I would guess 'security' means a locked filing cabinet!

Well, it probably means much the same as at your solicitors, or your bank, or all the other places which need copies of your ID. I've never heard of letting agents being robbed in order to carry out identity fraud...

Rekusu

Very True!

robatwork

There is no legal requirement to have a passport.

Nor is there a requirement to show one to your letting agent or give them a photocopy.

You could tell them you don't have a passport. Then that will lead to a conversation about what they actually need - probably something to prove you are you - certainly not your address as your passport won't have that.
They will take your driving licence or other form of ID instead. Would you be happier with them having that?

Rekusu

They know I have a passport but they already have two copies of recent utility bills / council tax. So they know who I am and where I live. But neither the passport nor bills, actually proves that I own the property for renting. If that is the proof needed, then landlords should be asked for the first page of the deeds.

bobobski

Having just done my money laundering training for the umpteenth time at work, I have to agree that this will be a money laundering thing. At least one form of photo ID is usually required, and clearly bills do not qualify for this. They will need the expiry date of the passport, as that will show whether or not they are compliant in the future (KYC is an ongoing obligation, not just something done on introduction or - oops - 3 years later). And I suspect they need the passport number to prove later (if necessary) that your passport wasn't fraudulently issued.

itchyfeet123

Rekusu wrote: »

The stamp idea is good, but it is not so much whether the passport can (or cannot be copied), my issue is with the visibility of the important information (number, date of issue/expiry, etc

That's definitely not the important information if your concern is identity theft. Full name and birth date could be used to take out credit; place of birth is a pretty common security/password reset question for online things.

But I wouldn't worry about your agent having a paper copy of your passport. Name and date of birth is information lots of people give out pretty easily -- have a look at your email the week leading up to your birthday and note all the companies offering you free stuff you don't want because you signed up to some dumb loyalty programme 7 years ago.

Rekusu

Thanks. Guess that clarifies it.

Rex