Quick answer
A right to rent check confirms that a tenant can legally rent residential property in England. Landlords must check all adults aged 18 or over who will live in the property as their main home, before the tenancy starts, even if they are not named on the agreement. You can check original documents in person, use a registered digital verification service for British or Irish passports, or use the Home Office online service with a share code. Keep a copy and the date of the check.
- Check every adult who will live there, not just the people named on the agreement.
- Check all new tenants equally. Only checking people you think are not British is discrimination.
- Time-limited permission: check in the 28 days before the tenancy starts and do follow-up checks.
- Fines of up to £20,000 per tenant, and criminal penalties in serious cases.
Who you need to check
Right to rent applies to private rented property in England. It covers tenants and lodgers. You must check:
- every adult aged 18 and over who will live in the property as their only or main home,
- people not named on the tenancy agreement, such as an adult child or partner,
- occupiers where there is no written agreement.
You do not need to check people in some types of accommodation, including social housing, care homes, hostels and refuges, student halls, accommodation provided by a local authority, tied accommodation provided with a job, and leases of 7 years or more. Check the landlords' code of practice if you are unsure.
Three ways to carry out a check
| Method | Best for | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Manual document check | Any tenant with original documents | See original documents with the tenant present, check they are genuine and belong to them, copy them and record the date. |
| Digital verification service (DVS) | British and Irish citizens with a valid passport | Use a certified identity service provider to check the passport digitally and keep the result. |
| Home Office online check | People with an eVisa or digital immigration status | The tenant gives you a share code and date of birth, and you view their status online and save the result. |
Since the move to eVisas, many non-UK nationals prove their status online only. You cannot insist on a physical document if the person has a digital status and gives you a share code.
Step by step: a manual right to rent check
- Identify which adults will live in the property as their main home.
- Ask each one for original documents from the accepted lists in the Home Office guidance.
- Check the documents with the person present, in person or by live video if you have the originals.
- Check photos match, dates of birth are consistent, documents are valid and not altered.
- Make clear copies of each document, including every page with personal details or permission.
- Record the date of the check and keep the copies for the tenancy and at least 1 year after it ends.
Time-limited permission and follow-up checks
If a tenant has permission to be in the UK for a limited time, carry out the initial check in the 28 days before the tenancy starts. You must then do a follow-up check before their permission expires, or 12 months after the first check, whichever is later.
If a follow-up check shows a tenant no longer has the right to rent, you must report it to the Home Office. Do not try to evict anyone yourself. Possession for this reason follows a specific legal process, and the Home Office will give notice to the landlord where it applies.
Avoiding discrimination
Check all prospective tenants the same way, whatever their nationality, name or accent. It is unlawful to only check people you assume are not British. From 1 May 2026, landlords also must not refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children. A fair, consistent process protects you and your tenants.
Using a letting agent
If a letting agent carries out right to rent checks for you, agree this in writing. The agent can then be responsible if the checks are not done correctly. Ask for copies of the checks for your own records.
Commonly accepted documents
- British passport, current or expired.
- Irish passport or passport card, current or expired.
- Certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen, with other evidence where required.
- Online immigration status (eVisa) checked using a share code.
- A combination of other documents set out in the Home Office lists, such as a full UK birth certificate with other evidence.
The lists change from time to time, so always check the current Home Office guidance and code of practice before relying on a document.
Common right to rent mistakes
- Only checking the lead tenant and not other adults.
- Accepting photocopies or photos of documents instead of originals.
- Not recording the date of the check.
- Forgetting follow-up checks for time-limited permission.
- Checking some applicants and not others.
Common questions
Do I need to check British tenants?
Yes. You must check all adult tenants, including British and Irish citizens. A British passport, current or expired, is one accepted document.
What is the fine for not doing a right to rent check?
Up to £20,000 per tenant, with criminal penalties possible in serious cases.
Do right to rent checks apply in Wales or Scotland?
No. Right to rent checks apply to property in England only.
Do I need to check lodgers?
Yes. Right to rent applies to lodgers in England as well as tenants.
How long do I keep right to rent records?
For the length of the tenancy and at least 1 year after it ends.
Can I do a right to rent check by video call?
For a manual check you must have the original documents. You can then check them against the person on a live video call. For digital status, use the online service with a share code.
Official sources
We check these pages against official GOV.UK guidance. This page is general information for England, not legal advice for your situation.
Checks done? Create the agreement
Once right to rent checks are complete, create an assured periodic tenancy agreement for England.
Create an agreement