The government’s reason for this is to give Landlords & Agents more time to adapt their processes ahead of the introduction of Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT).
Full government guidance can be read here
What are the measures being introduced?
Landlords will be able to work with digital Identity Service Providers (IDSPs) and Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to carry out digital identity checks on behalf of British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport
Landlords & Agents can still complete the checks and check documents in person.
What is an Identity Service Provider (IDSP)?
There will be two types: certified IDSPs and non-certified IDSPs
It will not be mandatory to use a certified IDSP however, the Home Office recommends Landlords & Agents use a certified IDSP; this will give assurances that they meet the standards
Landlords or Agents will remain liable for the checks but using a certified IDSP reduces the risk
How can you find a certified IDSP?
Nobody is currently certified
The government appointed 6 certification bodies on 2nd March 2022. It is estimated it will take 4 to 8 weeks for IDSPs to go through the certification process
The certified list will be available on the government’s website alongside the official IDSP Guidance
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