Right to rent document checks: a user guide

This user guide explains the right to rent document checks in the UK. It covers who must carry out checks, what documents are acceptable, how to do the checks correctly, and the consequences of getting them wrong. It is based on the official GOV.UK guidance published on 10 August 2026.

Right to rent document checks: a user guide is the official UK government publication that explains how landlords and letting agents must verify a tenant’s right to rent in England. Published on 10 August 2026, this guide is essential reading for anyone who rents out property. It tells you who must carry out checks, what documents you can accept, and how to avoid penalties. This article breaks down the key points so you can act quickly and correctly.

At a glance

• Publication date: 10 August 2026
• Publisher: GOV.UK — UK Visas & Immigration
• Applies to: landlords and letting agents in England
• Cost: Free to access
• Format: Online guide

What Is Guidance: Right to Rent Document Checks: A User Guide?

Guidance: Right to rent document checks: a user guide is a practical document from UK Visas & Immigration. It explains the rules for checking that a tenant has the legal right to rent in England. The guide is for landlords, letting agents, and tenants who want to understand their responsibilities.

The guide was published on 10 August 2026. It is the most up-to-date official source for how to carry out these checks. You should always refer to the latest version on GOV.UK.

Right to rent checks are a legal requirement. If you do not carry them out correctly, you could be fined. The guide helps you avoid mistakes.

Who Can Apply for Guidance: Right to Rent Document Checks: A User Guide?

This guide is not an application form. It is a set of instructions. Anyone who needs to carry out right to rent checks can use it. That includes:

• Landlords renting out property in England
• Letting agents acting on behalf of landlords
• Tenants who want to understand what checks are done
• Anyone who wants to know the rules

There is no eligibility criteria to read the guide. It is free to access on GOV.UK. You do not need to register or pay.

What Does the Guide Cover?

The guide explains the steps you must follow to carry out a right to rent check. It covers:

• When you must carry out a check
• What documents are acceptable
• How to check documents correctly
• How to make copies and keep records
• What to do if a tenant cannot prove their right to rent
• How to avoid discrimination

The guide also explains the penalties for not following the rules. As of the publication date, the guide does not state specific penalty amounts. You should check the official page for the latest figures.

Key Dates and Deadlines for Guidance: Right to Rent Document Checks: A User Guide

The guide was published on 10 August 2026. There is no application deadline because this is a reference document. However, you must carry out right to rent checks before a tenancy starts. The guide does not specify a time limit, but you should do the check before the tenant moves in.

If you are a landlord, you must keep records of the checks. The guide does not state how long to keep them, but common practice is to keep them for the duration of the tenancy plus a further year. The official guidance may have more details.

How to Apply for Guidance: Right to Rent Document Checks: A User Guide

You do not apply for this guide. You simply read it online. To access the official guide, follow these steps:

1. Go to the GOV.UK page for the guide: Right to rent document checks: a user guide.
2. Read the guide carefully.
3. If you are a landlord, use the guide to carry out checks on your tenants.
4. If you are a tenant, use the guide to understand what documents you may need to provide.

There is no form to fill in. The guide is a PDF or web page that you can download and keep.

Useful Tips for Right to Rent Checks

Here are some practical tips to help you carry out right to rent checks correctly:

• Always use the latest version of the guide.
• Check documents in the tenant’s presence, either in person or via video call.
• Make copies of all documents and keep them securely.
• If a tenant has a time-limited right to rent, set a reminder to carry out a follow-up check before it expires.
• Do not discriminate against tenants based on their nationality. Carry out checks on all tenants equally.
• If you are unsure about a document, use the Home Office online checking service if available.

These tips are general advice. The official guide may contain more specific instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right to rent check?

The right to rent check is a legal requirement for landlords in England. You must check that a tenant has the legal right to rent your property. The official guide explains how to do this.

Who needs to carry out right to rent checks?

Landlords and letting agents in England must carry out right to rent checks on all tenants. The guide applies to you if you rent out property in England.

What documents are acceptable for right to rent checks?

The guide lists acceptable documents. These include passports, biometric residence permits, and other immigration documents. You should check the official guide for the full list.

What happens if I don't carry out a right to rent check?

If you don’t carry out a right to rent check, you could face a civil penalty. The guide does not state the exact amount, but you should check the official page for the latest information.

Is the guide available for free?

Yes, the guide is free to access on GOV.UK. You can read it online or download it.

Before you apply

Guidance: Right to rent document checks: a user guide is an essential resource for anyone renting out property in England. It explains your legal duties and helps you avoid penalties. The guide was published on 10 August 2026, so make sure you use the latest version.

Next steps: Read the official guide on GOV.UK, familiarise yourself with the requirements, and carry out right to rent checks on all new tenants. If you have any doubts, consult the official guidance or seek legal advice.

Photo by Matheus Lara on Pexels

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.