The Guild of Property Professionals has issued guidance to UK estate agents on when identification can be requested from potential visitors before viewing a property.
Paul Offley, compliance officer at The Guild, said there may be circumstances where a vendor instructs an agent to verify a viewer’s identity before granting access. He said this falls outside anti-money laundering requirements that apply once a business relationship is established.
“It’s a different matter altogether,” Offaly explained. “Agents must first establish the rationale behind the seller’s request to verify the viewer’s identity.”
In standard practice, agents usually collect the viewer’s name, address and contact details before or during the viewing process, with appointments confirmed in writing and sometimes by phone.
The guild said additional ID checks could be used in specific cases, such as where sellers have security concerns, or where properties are linked to high-profile individuals or have previous incidents involving harassment or stalking.
Offaly said viewers can refuse to provide identification, but he said any requests should be consistently enforced and supported with a clear reason. He said that it should not be used in a discriminatory manner.
“Of course, they [viewers] may refuse,” he said. “But it is essential that any requests for ID are applied consistently across all visitors and not used in a discriminatory manner. There should be some valid and proper reason behind this.”
Where ID checks are requested by a vendor, agents may inform applicants that they are acting on instructions, without disclosing the underlying reason.
The guidance also states that verification does not need to coincide with a full anti-money laundering investigation. In some cases, visual confirmation of ID in person or via video call may suffice, and there is no need for agents to retain copies.
The Guild advises agents to consistently implement any process and ensure it is consistent with legal and ethical obligations.
“In short, yes, it is possible for estate agents to request ID before a viewing,” Offaly concluded. “But it must be proportionate, fair and handled correctly.”