Sanctions Checks: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

From 14 May 2025, Allday & Miller is legally required to carry out a sanctions check on every landlord and tenant involved in a new rental agreement. This applies regardless of rent amount or property type, and includes any company landlords or guarantors.

This is a new government rule designed to help tackle financial crime, and it applies to all letting agents across the UK.

What is a Sanctions Check?

A sanctions check involves screening your name against a UK government list of individuals and organisations who are subject to financial restrictions. This list includes people or businesses linked to criminal activity such as:

Money laundering
Terror financing
Human rights abuses
International sanctions violations

It is a standard background check - it does not affect your credit score or appear on any public register.

Why Do Allday & Miller Have to Do This?

This isn’t an optional process. All regulated letting agents must carry out sanctions checks by law. If an individual is on the list, we are required to report it and stop the transaction. These checks help ensure that the UK’s property market is protected from abuse and exploitation.

Who Needs to Be Checked?

We must carry out a sanctions check for:

Every new landlord instructing us to let or manage their property
Every new tenant applying to rent through us
Any guarantor who will be financially responsible for a tenant
For company landlords or tenants, we must check the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) - those who own or control the business

What Will You Need to Do?

There’s nothing extra you need to prepare. Allday & Miller will carry out the check as part of our onboarding process.

Landlords: We’ll do this when you first instruct us to let or manage a property
Tenants: This happens after your application is accepted and before your tenancy agreement is signed
Guarantors: Your check will be included during the referencing process

Is This a Problem If I Have Nothing to Hide?

Not at all. Most people will pass with no issues. This check simply ensures that you are not subject to financial restrictions under UK law.

Will It Delay My Move or Let?

No, sanctions checks are usually completed instantly. In rare cases, further checks might be needed, but we’ll always keep you informed.

Summary

Sanctions checks are now a routine part of the lettings process for all landlords, tenants and guarantors. They are quick, secure, and handled professionally by our team. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re happy to talk you through it.

For more information, visit the UK government’s official guidance here.

Still unsure? Just contact our lettings team; we’re here to help.