Landlord’s Guide to Right to Rent Checks

This guide explains the UK right to rent checks that landlords must carry out before renting property. It covers who must check, what documents to accept, and the steps to follow, based on the official GOV.UK guidance published on 10 August 2026.

If you let property in England, you are legally required to verify that every tenant has the right to rent. This guide, based on the official GOV.UK guidance published on 10 August 2026, explains who must check, what documents are acceptable, and how to carry out the checks correctly.

At a glance

• Applies to landlords in England
• Free official guidance from GOV.UK
• Covers document checks and online service
• Published 10 August 2026
• Penalties for non-compliance

What Is the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks?

The landlord’s guide to right to rent checks is official UK government guidance. It explains how to confirm that a tenant has the legal right to live in the UK, a requirement under the Immigration Act 2014. You must complete this check before renting out a property.

The guidance applies to most residential tenancies in England. It does not apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. If you let property in those countries, you do not need to follow this guidance.

The guide outlines the steps you must take and the consequences of failing to do so. Renting to someone without the right to rent can result in a civil penalty.

Who Can Apply for the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks?

This guide is for landlords and letting agents. If you rent out a property in England, you must follow the rules. There is no application process—the guide is free to read online.

The rules apply to all landlords, whether you own one property or many. They also apply to letting agents managing properties on behalf of landlords. If you sublet a property, you may also be considered a landlord.

There are some exceptions. For example, you do not need to check tenants in social housing or certain other types of accommodation. The official guide lists these exceptions, so you should read the full guidance to see if you are exempt.

How to Apply for the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks

You do not apply for the guide; you follow its steps. Here is how to carry out a right to rent check:

1. Obtain the tenant’s original documents. These can include a passport, a biometric residence permit, or a certificate of registration.
2. Check that the documents are genuine. Look for signs of tampering or forgery.
3. Check that the documents belong to the person presenting them. Compare the photo and details with the tenant.
4. Make copies of the documents. Keep them for at least 12 months after the tenancy ends.
5. Record the date you made the check.

You can also use the Home Office online right to rent service. This service lets you check a tenant’s status using a share code. The tenant must provide the code, which you then enter on the GOV.UK website.

If you use the online service, you do not need to see physical documents. You must still keep a record of the check. The official guide explains how to do this.

Key Dates and Deadlines for the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks

The guidance was published on 10 August 2026 and is current as of that date. There is no application deadline because this is not an application. You must carry out right to rent checks before a tenancy begins.

The rules may change, so you should check the official GOV.UK page for updates. The source did not state any specific deadline for compliance. However, you must always check before the tenant moves in.

If you have tenants with time-limited leave, you must do follow-up checks. For example, if a tenant has a visa that expires, you must check again before it expires. The guidance explains when to do this.

What the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks Covers

The guide covers several areas. It explains who must carry out checks and what documents are acceptable. You will find a list of acceptable documents in the guide.

The guide also covers how to handle tenants who do not have documents. For example, some tenants may have a right to rent but cannot produce documents. In that case, you can use the Home Office online service.

It also explains what to do if you have doubts. If you suspect a document is false, you must not rent to that person. You should contact the Home Office for advice.

The guide also explains penalties. If you fail to carry out checks, you could face a fine. The amount depends on the circumstances. The guide gives examples.

Useful Tips for the Landlord's Guide to Right to Rent Checks

Here are some practical tips to help you comply:

• Always check before the tenant moves in. Do not wait until after the tenancy starts.
• Make copies of all documents. Keep them safe and secure.
• Record the date of the check. This is important if you need to prove you complied.
• If you use the online service, save the confirmation page. It is your proof.
• If you are unsure, contact the Home Office. Do not guess.

Remember that the rules apply to every new tenancy. Even if you have rented to the same tenant before, you must check again if you renew the tenancy.

Finally, read the full official guidance. This guide is a summary. The official document has more detail and examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry out right to rent checks for all tenants?

Yes, if you are a landlord in England, you must check all tenants before they move in. There are some exceptions, such as social housing. Read the official guidance to see if you are exempt.

What documents can I accept for right to rent checks?

You can accept a valid passport, a biometric residence permit, or a certificate of registration. The official guide lists all acceptable documents. You must see the original documents.

What happens if I do not carry out right to rent checks?

You could face a civil penalty. The amount depends on the circumstances. You could also be prosecuted in serious cases. Always carry out the checks to avoid penalties.

Can I use the online right to rent service?

Yes. The Home Office online service lets you check a tenant’s status using a share code. This is useful if the tenant cannot provide physical documents.

Before you apply

Right to rent checks are a legal requirement for landlords in England. The official guide from GOV.UK is your best resource. Read it carefully before you let a property. Make sure you understand the rules and follow them every time.

If you have any doubts, contact the Home Office. Do not take risks. The penalties are serious.

Start by reading the full landlord’s guide to right to rent checks on GOV.UK. Then prepare your process for every new tenancy.

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