How to Check Right to Rent in the UK: A Landlord’s Guide for 2025

As a landlord in England, it’s your legal duty to ensure that every adult tenant has the legal right to live in the UK. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines—or even criminal penalties. If you're wondering how to check right to rent, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to stay compliant in 2025.

✅ What Is Right to Rent?

Right to Rent is a government policy under the Immigration Act 2014. It requires landlords in England to check the immigration status of all adult tenants (18+) before the start of a tenancy. The aim is to prevent individuals without legal status from accessing rental housing.

🔍 Who Must Be Checked?

You must check all tenants who:

  • Are aged 18 or over

  • Will be living in the property as their main home

  • Are not listed on the tenancy agreement but are occupying the property

Even British citizens must be checked to stay compliant.

📋 How to Check Right to Rent: Step-by-Step

1. Ask for Original Documents

Acceptable documents include:

  • UK or Irish passport

  • Biometric residence permit

  • Immigration status document with photo

  • Certificate of naturalisation

  • Home Office share code (for digital checks)

See the official government list of acceptable documents.

2. Check the Documents in Person or Online

  • Check the document's authenticity

  • Ensure the photo matches the tenant

  • Confirm the documents are valid and not expired

💡 Tip: You can use the Home Office online service if your tenant has a digital immigration status. Just ask for their share code and date of birth.

3. Make & Keep Copies

Photocopy or take a clear photo of the documents, noting:

  • The date of the check

  • Who performed the check

  • Any follow-up date if the right to rent is time-limited

Store these records securely for at least 1 year after the tenancy ends.

🔁 Follow-Up Checks

If your tenant has a time-limited right to rent, you must:

  • Re-check their status before the expiry date

  • Inform the Home Office if they no longer have valid immigration status

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Civil penalties up to £3,000 per tenant

  • Criminal charges if knowingly renting to an illegal occupant

  • Potential eviction challenges and reputational damage

🧠 Need Help Staying Compliant?

At HavenEase, we assist landlords across England with Right to Rent compliance as part of our tenant screening process. Whether you manage one property or many, we ensure your tenancy process is legally sound and stress-free.