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Right to Rent

Right to rent is the legal requirement, introduced by the Immigration Act 2014, for landlords in England to check that every adult who will live in a rental property as their main home has permission to be in the UK. The check must be completed before the tenancy starts, using either a share code through the government's online service or acceptable physical documents. Completing the check correctly gives the landlord a statutory excuse against civil penalties. The scheme applies in England only, and checks must be applied equally to all applicants.

How the check is done

The check must be completed before the tenancy starts. A tenant can prove their right to rent with a share code through the government's online service, or with acceptable physical documents where a code does not apply.

Why it matters

Completing the check correctly gives the landlord a statutory excuse against civil penalties. The scheme applies in England only, and checks must be applied equally to all applicants.

Frequently asked questions

Where does right to rent apply?

The scheme applies in England only, and checks must be applied equally to all applicants.

When must the check be completed?

Before the tenancy starts, using either a share code through the government's online service or acceptable physical documents.

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