Landlord guide
Right to Rent Checks UK 2026: Landlord Guide to Immigration Checks
Reviewed by a qualified UK housing solicitor • Updated: May 2026
Sources: GOV.UK, Shelter England, NRLA, Citizens Advice
Reading time: ~8 min
Right to Rent has been in force since 2015 under the Immigration Act 2014. Every adult occupant of a let property in England must have their right to rent checked before the tenancy starts. Fines for repeat offences reach £20,000 per occupant — and up to £120,000 in aggravated cases.
What Are Right to Rent Checks?
A statutory check that every adult occupant has the legal right to rent residential property in England. The scheme applies in England only — not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Who Must Be Checked?
Every adult (18+) who will use the property as their only or main home, even if they are not on the tenancy agreement.
How to Carry Out the Check
Two options.
- Online via the Home Office Landlord Checking Service — required for eVisa and BRP holders.
- Manual check of original physical documents from List A or List B, taken with the tenant in person or over a live video call.
Acceptable Documents
UK and Irish passports, BRP cards, EU Settlement Status (online only), eVisas (online only), and certain combinations from List B for time-limited rights.
Follow-Up Checks
For tenants with time-limited rights, a follow-up check must be done before the existing permission expires.
Record Keeping
Keep dated copies of documents (and the online share-code response where applicable) for the duration of the tenancy plus one year after it ends.
Fines for Non-Compliance
First offence: up to £10,000 per occupant. Repeat offence: up to £20,000 per occupant. Knowingly renting to someone without right to rent is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years' imprisonment and unlimited fines.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check British nationals?+
Yes — but a UK passport is acceptable. The duty applies to every adult occupant.
Can the letting agent do the check for me?+
Yes, provided the agent agrees to take on the liability in writing. Otherwise the duty stays with the landlord.