Nick Clegg has forced May to drop plans for any national rollout of the checks this side of the general election. Instead the scheme, under which landlords could face fines of up to £3,000 if they fail to comply, is to be piloted in a single area before any decision is taken to go ahead with its wider implementation.
The Liberal Democrats say they have serious practical reservations with the scheme including concerns that it will increase homelessness and drive illegal migrants underground and into the hands of unscrupulous landlords. It will also place a unrealistic regulatory burden on millions of private landlords, most of whom let out a single property or even just a room.
"The Conservatives wanted to roll this out nationally but because of our concerns we would not agree to it. This will be piloted in a single area," said a Liberal Democrat spokesman.
The detailed bill documents show that the scheme will apply not just to landlords who rent out standalone accommodation but also to families or individuals who take in lodgers or sub-tenants into their own home, although they will face lower fines for failing to comply.
The Home Office says more than 85% of new migrants live in privately rented accommodation. The home secretary said a helpline would be set up to help landlords make the checks, including offering advice on how to question potential tenants.
Gavin Smart, of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said the move would make it much harder for all non-British people to find somewhere to live, even when they were in the country legally. "Checking immigration status is complicated so landlords may shy away from letting to anyone who appears not to be British. Discrimination laws will not protect these people. For many people, private renting is their only housing option, and if this is removed homelessness and destitution may follow."
The bill documents confirm the government's intention to introduce a health levy on temporary migrants to be paid when they apply for a visa. The fee is to be set at £200, with a reduction for overseas students, and will apply to those in Britain for between six and 12 months.
The Liberal Democrats say they have serious practical reservations with the scheme including concerns that it will increase homelessness and drive illegal migrants underground and into the hands of unscrupulous landlords. It will also place a unrealistic regulatory burden on millions of private landlords, most of whom let out a single property or even just a room.
"The Conservatives wanted to roll this out nationally but because of our concerns we would not agree to it. This will be piloted in a single area," said a Liberal Democrat spokesman.
The detailed bill documents show that the scheme will apply not just to landlords who rent out standalone accommodation but also to families or individuals who take in lodgers or sub-tenants into their own home, although they will face lower fines for failing to comply.
The Home Office says more than 85% of new migrants live in privately rented accommodation. The home secretary said a helpline would be set up to help landlords make the checks, including offering advice on how to question potential tenants.
Gavin Smart, of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said the move would make it much harder for all non-British people to find somewhere to live, even when they were in the country legally. "Checking immigration status is complicated so landlords may shy away from letting to anyone who appears not to be British. Discrimination laws will not protect these people. For many people, private renting is their only housing option, and if this is removed homelessness and destitution may follow."
The bill documents confirm the government's intention to introduce a health levy on temporary migrants to be paid when they apply for a visa. The fee is to be set at £200, with a reduction for overseas students, and will apply to those in Britain for between six and 12 months.
