Landlord Sanction Checks
New regulation introduced in May 2025 means agents need to conduct sanctions checks on every tenant and landlord by law.
Written by: Richard Antrobus Category: Landlords May 16, 2025
As of the 14th May 2025, new regulations have come into effect requiring letting agencies in England to carry out enhanced sanctions checks on prospective tenants and landlords. These changes are part of the UK government’s efforts to tighten compliance with financial sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) laws.
As a landlord, it is essential to understand how these checks may impact you and your letting arrangements.
What Are Sanctions Checks?
Sanctions checks involve screening individuals and entities against government published lists to ensure they are not subject to financial restrictions or bans due to criminal activity, terrorism, or other illicit conduct. The UK government, through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), maintains an updated list of sanctioned individuals and organisations.
From 14th May 2025, VitalSpace will be legally required to perform these checks before facilitating a tenancy agreement. If a landlord or tenant is found to be on the sanctions list, the agency must take appropriate action, including reporting to the authorities and potentially refusing to proceed with the letting agreement.
What am I required to do as a Landlord?
As a Landlord working with VitalSpace, you will be required to complete a short questionnaire during the tenant referencing process. Our referencing agency, LetAlliance, will reach out to you via email at which point you will be required to complete a basic online form.
This is a legal requirement and will prevent the progression of the tenant moving into your property should this not be actioned.
Give us a call
If you require any further help or guidance on this matter, or indeed any other aspect of current lettings legislation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Simply contact us, we would be delighted to help.
