Key takeaways
- Before a tenancy starts, check that every adult who'll live there as their main home has the right to rent.
- Use original documents, an online share code, or a certified digital ID provider for British and Irish passports.
- If someone's permission is time-limited, you must do a follow-up check before it runs out.
- Check everyone the same way. Only checking people you think 'look foreign' is discrimination.
Who you need to check
Right to Rent applies to residential lets in England. You need to check every adult aged 18 or over who will live in the property as their only or main home, whether or not they're named on the tenancy.
You can ask a letting agent to do the checks, but the legal responsibility only passes to them if you agree it in writing.
Three ways to check
- 1
Manual document check
See the original document in the tenant's presence (in person or by live video, holding the original). Use the Home Office list of acceptable documents.
- 2
Online share code
For people with digital immigration status, they give you a share code and date of birth. Check it on GOV.UK and save the profile page.
- 3
Digital identity provider
For valid British or Irish passports, a certified identity service provider can do the check for you, usually for a small fee.
Doing a manual check properly
- 1
Check it's genuine
Look for signs of tampering and that it's the original, not a copy.
- 2
Check it's theirs
Compare photos and dates of birth with the person in front of you.
- 3
Check the dates
Make sure it's in date (where relevant) and note any time limit on their permission.
- 4
Copy and record
Make a clear copy of every relevant page and note the date you did the check.
Get reminded about follow-up checks. Store Right to Rent evidence against each tenancy in Simple Landlord and set a reminder for any follow-up check.
Get early accessInitial vs follow-up checks
| Initial check | Follow-up check | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within 28 days before the tenancy starts | Before permission expires, or 12 months after the first check, whichever is later |
| Who | All adult occupiers | Only those with time-limited permission |
| If they fail | Don't grant the tenancy | Report to the Home Office |
FAQs
Do I need to check British citizens?+
Yes. You must check everyone, regardless of nationality, so you don't discriminate.
Does Right to Rent apply in Wales or Scotland?+
No. The scheme only applies in England.
What if the tenant has a pending immigration application?+
Use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service. A positive response protects you for 12 months.
Do I need to check lodgers?+
Yes, if they'll live with you as their main home.
Can I do a check over video?+
Yes, for manual checks, as long as you've seen the original document in advance or during the call.
Written and reviewed by the Simple Landlord Editorial Team
Last reviewed 22 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Sources
Get reminded about follow-up checks
Store Right to Rent evidence against each tenancy in Simple Landlord and set a reminder for any follow-up check.
