All UK letting agents must now carry out AML checks on landlords, tenants, and guarantors. This article explains what AML checks are, who they apply to, and how LettingaProperty.com handles them automatically for you.
As of 14 May 2025, all UK letting agents must carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on landlords, tenants, and guarantors. This is now a legal requirement under UK financial sanctions rules.
LettingaProperty.com includes AML checks automatically as part of our standard tenant referencing. There’s no extra cost and no action needed from you.
What Is an AML Check?
An AML check is a background screening to identify whether someone appears on official watchlists related to financial crime, political exposure, or international sanctions. These checks help prevent money laundering, fraud, or criminal activity within the property rental market.
We check names against:
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The UK Sanctions List
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The Dow Jones Watchlist
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BAE Systems intelligence feeds
- Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
- Relatives and Close Associates (RCAs)
- Special Interest Persons (SIPs)
- Other Official Lists (OOLs)Other global databases tracking:
Who Is Checked?
We check the following people:
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Landlords – when they instruct us to let a property
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Tenants – after an offer is accepted and before signing the tenancy agreement
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Guarantors – if named on the tenancy or expected to pay rent
What Happens if There’s a Match?
If someone is flagged as a potential match on a watchlist:
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Our system will review the alert using a combination of automated checks and manual review
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In most cases, it’s a false positive, and the process continues with no delay
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If a confirmed match is found on the UK Sanctions List, we’re legally required to report it to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)
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The tenancy cannot proceed until we receive clearance from OFSI
Do I Need to Do Anything?
No. AML checks are fully integrated into our referencing process. You don’t need to upload anything extra or make a separate payment.
We’ll only contact you if there’s a reason to pause referencing or if further information is required.
Where Can I See the Results?
If you’re a landlord using our platform:
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You can see the AML status on each applicant’s referencing tab (e.g. Passed, Caution, Failed)
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Results are shown alongside credit, employment, and landlord checks in your dashboard
Tenants and guarantors do not see their AML results but will be contacted directly if anything needs clarification.
Is There a Cost?
No. AML checks are included as standard in all of our letting plans. Every plan includes two complimentary tenant checks, and there is no surcharge for AML screening.
If you have any questions about AML checks or referencing, contact our support team.