Right to Rent checks: a landlord's guide
By the Dome team · Reviewed
Landlords in England must check that every adult tenant has the right to rent before the tenancy starts. Here is how the checks work and how to keep the right records. This is a general guide, not legal advice.
The short answer
Under the Immigration Act 2014, you must check the immigration status of every adult who will live in your property as their main home, whether or not they are named on the tenancy agreement. The check must be done before the tenancy starts, and you must keep a record of it.
Who you need to check
- Every occupier aged 18 or over, including partners, adult children and lodgers.
- Everyone, not just people you think may not be British. Checking only some tenants risks discrimination.
- Anyone who joins the household later, before they move in.
Three ways to do the check
1. The Home Office online service (share code)
Many tenants, including those with eVisas or EU Settlement Scheme status, prove their right to rent online. They give you a share code and their date of birth, and you view their status on GOV.UK. Save or print the result page as your record.
2. Original documents
British and Irish citizens can show original documents such as a passport. Check the documents in the tenant's presence (in person or by live video with the originals sent to you), make sure photos match, and take a clear copy.
3. The Landlord Checking Service
If a tenant cannot show documents because they have an ongoing application or appeal with the Home Office, you can ask the Home Office to confirm their status through the Landlord Checking Service.
Follow-up checks
If a tenant has time-limited permission to be in the UK, you must do a follow-up check before their permission expires, or 12 months after your first check, whichever is later. Put the date in your diary when you do the first check.
Keeping records
- Keep copies of documents or the online check result for the whole tenancy.
- Keep them for at least one year after the tenancy ends.
- Note the date you did each check.
What happens if you don't
The Home Office can issue a civil penalty for each occupier who does not have the right to rent, of up to £10,000 for a first breach and up to £20,000 for repeat breaches. Knowingly letting to someone without the right to rent can also be a criminal offence.
Right to Rent is one of several checks you need before a tenancy starts. See the full landlord compliance checklist for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check British tenants?
Yes. You must check every adult occupier, whatever their nationality. British and Irish citizens can usually show a passport.
How does a Right to Rent share code work?
The tenant generates a share code on GOV.UK and gives it to you with their date of birth. You enter both on the Home Office online service to view and save their status.
How long must I keep Right to Rent records?
For the whole tenancy and for at least one year after it ends.
