Right to Rent is an England-only scheme. The Home Office’s guide updated on 1 October 2026 says landlords and agents must check every adult who will occupy a rented home as their only or main residence, regardless of nationality. The guidance defines an adult as someone aged 18 or over. It applies to lodgers and, where a tenant takes in a lodger or sublets, responsibility normally rests with that tenant unless the superior landlord agrees in writing to take it on.
The check is not a judgement about someone’s appearance, accent or background. The Home Office says landlords should use the same process for all prospective adult occupiers. Selective checks based on nationality, ethnicity, perceived immigration status or appearance can be discriminatory. Landlords must also avoid treating people less favourably because they use a manual document check, an online check or an accepted digital verification route.
There are different ways to establish a check. A landlord can inspect the prescribed original documents, use a registered digital verification service where permitted, or use the Home Office online checking service with a right-to-rent share code. A share code must be generated for the correct purpose; the landlord enters it with the occupier’s date of birth on the official service. The Home Office result must relate to the person who will live in the property, including a check that the photograph matches. British and Irish citizens cannot get share codes and can usually prove their status using physical documents.
A manual check follows three steps: obtain acceptable evidence, check that it is genuine and belongs to the person, and make and retain a clear copy with the date. The online route also requires the landlord to verify the identity and keep a copy of the profile result. The Home Office says evidence should be kept for the tenancy and at least one year after it ends, then securely destroyed. Store identity records safely and limit access to people who need them.
Timing matters. A check for someone with an unlimited right to rent can be made at any time before the tenancy begins. For someone with a time-limited right, the check must be made no earlier than 28 calendar days before the tenancy agreement is entered into. If the Home Office result requires a follow-up check, note the due date and complete it before the existing statutory excuse expires while the person remains in occupation. The online service will identify whether a follow-up is required.
Complete the prescribed steps before allowing occupation. If the person has an outstanding Home Office application or the online service cannot confirm their status, the landlord may need to use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service. Do not substitute another website for the official check. The current guide contains detailed document lists and exceptions, so consult it for the particular case rather than relying on a short summary.
These rules do not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Immigration and discrimination law is complex; this article is general information, not legal advice. Check the Home Office’s latest guide and code of practice before acting.