With over 20 years in the property industry, I have trained thousands of landlords and agents, served at the highest level of our professional body, and regularly contributed to national housing policy discussions. As a landlord and investor myself, I know the real-world challenges of compliance, and each month I share insights with Property Investor News readers to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape.
Landlords are now in scope
For years, AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks were something letting agents had to worry about, mainly for very high-value rentals over €10,000 a month. Landlords who managed their own properties were largely untouched.
That changed in May 2025. Now, all landlords - whether you let one flat or a whole portfolio - must:
• Verify the identity of your tenants (photo ID and proof of address).
• Check their names against the official UK sanctions list.
• Keep clear records of these checks for at least five years after the tenancy ends.
• Report anything suspicious immediately.
It’s no longer only about agents. If you’re self-managing, the responsibility rests squarely with you. If you use an agent, you still need to understand what’s being checked, because ultimately you remain responsible for the property.
Sanctions checks are not optional
The sanctions regime is now a separate legal requirement. That means even if your rental income is modest, you cannot ignore it.
• If a tenant or landlord is on the sanctions list, you must not proceed with the tenancy.
• If you even suspect a match, you must report it to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).
• Continuing with a let in these circumstances is a criminal offence.
