As part of a slew of measures to freeze illegal immigrants out of the economy, the Tories have announced tougher penalties for landlords who let out properties to those with no right to be in the country. This extension of the hostile environment could, however, simply worsen the lives of legitimate renters in an era where costs and competition for housing are increasing.
The plans are designed to make it harder to exist in the country without a right to be here, as well as punish those who exploit and facilitate illegal immigration. Under the proposals, fines for renting out properties unlawfully will rise from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per tenant for a first offence to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per tenant. Subsequent breaches will be up to £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per tenant, up from £500 and £3,000 respectively.
The goal is to make it financially ruinous to support illegal migration.
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