What is the Right to Rent?

Before you can move into a rented home in England, your landlord or letting agent must check that you have the legal right to rent. This is known as a Right to Rent check and it applies to all adults aged 18 or over who’ll be living in the property.

It’s a standard part of the renting process and doesn’t mean there’s anything unusual about your application.

What is a Right to Rent check?

Right to Rent is a legal requirement introduced by the government. It means landlords and agents must confirm that tenants are legally allowed to rent a home in England before a tenancy starts. These checks do not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

How you prove your right to rent

How you prove your right to rent depends on your nationality and immigration status.

If you’re a British or Irish citizen

You can usually prove your right to rent by showing one of the following:

• A British or Irish passport (current or expired, as long as the image still looks like you)
• A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

If you don’t have these, there are other documents you may be able to use instead.

If you’re not a British or Irish citizen

You can prove your right to rent in one of two ways:

• By sharing a Home Office share code, which your landlord or agent can check online
• By showing original immigration documents

You can choose which option to use, and a landlord cannot refuse your application simply because you used eligible documents instead of a share code.

Using a share code

If you have a digital immigration status, you can generate a Right to Rent share code online. You’ll then give this code and your date of birth to the landlord or agent, who uses it to check your status securely with the Home Office.

What if you can’t prove your right to rent straight away?

If you’re unable to provide documents or a share code, your landlord or agent may ask the Home Office to carry out a Right to Rent check on their behalf. This is a recognised process and doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be refused the property.

Important things to remember

• Right to Rent checks must be carried out fairly and consistently for everyone
• You shouldn’t be asked for extra checks based on nationality, accent or background
• The check must be completed before the tenancy begins

Where to find official Right to Rent guidance

For the most up‑to‑date and detailed information, you can visit the government’s official guidance on proving your right to rent in England.

FAQs

• Do Right to Rent checks apply to everyone?

  Yes. All adults aged 18 or over who will live in the property must have a Right to Rent check, even if they’re not named on the tenancy agreement. These checks apply to all renters in England, regardless of nationality or background.

• When will I be asked to prove my right to rent?

  Your prospective landlord or letting agent must carry out the check before the tenancy starts. It’s usually done after your offer has been accepted but before you move in.

• What is a Right to Rent share code?

  A share code is a temporary code generated through the Home Office’s online service. If you have a digital immigration status, you can give this code (along with your date of birth) to your landlord or agent so they can check your right to rent online.

• What if I don’t have the documents or a share code?

  If you’re unable to provide documents or a share code, your landlord or letting agent can request a Right to Rent check from the Home Office. This is a recognised process and is often used when someone has an application or appeal in progress.

• Can a landlord refuse me because of a Right to Rent check?

  A landlord must not discriminate when carrying out Right to Rent checks. They should apply the same process to everyone and can’t refuse your application because of your nationality, or the type of documents you provide.