Before you let to a new tenant in England, you must check they have the legal right to rent — and get it wrong and you risk a civil penalty or worse. Here’s who you must check, how to do it (including digital and online checks), and how to keep a compliant record.
Right to Rent is a legal duty on landlords in England to check that everyone who will live in a property as their main home has an immigration status that allows them to rent. It applies to all occupiers aged 18 and over, whether or not they’re named on the tenancy.
Letting to someone without the right to rent — without a proper check — can mean a civil penalty per tenant, and in serious cases a criminal offence. A correct, documented check gives you a statutory excuse.
Keep clear, dated copies of the documents or check results for the length of the tenancy and at least 12 months after it ends. Treat every applicant consistently to avoid discrimination.
Yes — every adult who will live there as their main home, named on the agreement or not.
Yes — via the Home Office online service with a share code for many tenants, or a certified IDVT provider for British and Irish passport holders. Some still need a manual document check.
It’s an England-only scheme. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland don’t place the same checking duty on landlords.
A civil penalty per tenant, rising for repeat breaches, and potentially a criminal offence in serious cases.
For the length of the tenancy and at least 12 months after it ends.
This guide is general information, not professional tax or legal advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change — check GOV.UK and take advice for your own situation.
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