What Are Right to Rent Checks?
Since 1 February 2016, all landlords in England must check that their prospective adult tenants have the legal right to rent in England before the tenancy begins. The check applies to all adult occupants — not just the named tenant, but everyone who will be living in the property.
This is not optional, and "I didn't know" is not a defence. Maximum fines are up to £20,000 per adult occupant for a repeat offence.
Who Do You Need to Check?
You must check:
You do not need to check children under 18.
Accepted Documents: List A (Unlimited Right to Rent)
These documents prove the occupant has an unlimited right to rent and only require a one-time check:
British and Irish citizens:
EEA nationals (post-Brexit):
Non-EEA with indefinite leave:
Accepted Documents: List B (Time-Limited Right to Rent)
These documents prove a limited right to rent. You must record the expiry date and conduct a follow-up check when the time limit expires.
If the follow-up check reveals the tenant no longer has the right to rent, you must report this to the Home Office and take steps to end the tenancy.
How to Do the Check Correctly
Method 1: In-person document check
1. Ask for an original document from List A or List B
2. Check it in person with the occupant present
3. Check it's genuine (not tampered with, photo matches)
4. Make a copy (digital or physical)
5. Record the date of the check
Method 2: Home Office Online Right to Rent Check Service
For occupants who have a share code (e.g. EEA nationals with settled/pre-settled status, or those with eVisa):
1. Visit gov.uk/view-right-to-rent
2. Enter the share code and the occupant's date of birth
3. You'll see their status and relevant expiry dates
4. Take a screenshot or print as your record
Certified copy services: Some landlords use certified identity document checking services (like Yoti or Onfido) via the government's digital identity framework.
LetCompliance Right to Rent Tracking
LetCompliance provides a guided Right to Rent checklist for each tenant. You can record:
For time-limited status, LetCompliance sends you an automatic reminder before the follow-up check is required — so you're never in breach due to a missed deadline.