Immigration checks for Cambridge landlords

Landlords in Cambridge could be visited by UK Border Agency officers in an effort to crack down on illegal immigration.

The body is hoping to find immigrants who are living in private rented accommodation and could punish landlords who have housed them.

UK Border Agency warned that landlords who fail to produce the required documentation could be fined up to £5,000 and spend six months in jail.

"Our new local immigration teams are tracking down the most harmful illegal immigrants, responding to community concerns, and enforcing immigration laws," said Gail Adams, UK Border Agency regional director.

Landlords are required to record the name and nationality of tenants and if the person is foreign they must note down the number of the identity document shown.

Failure to produce the information is an offence under the Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972.

However, one Cambridge resident who owns several properties in the city was unhappy at the announcement.

"They are using an obscure law made in 1972 which has never been enforced," Dennis Whitfield told the Cambridge News.

"I have been a landlord for 45 years and have never heard of these rules. I don't think anyone has enforced these checks."

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