What documents do I need for a right-to-rent check?

You can show a British or Irish passport, a share code from the Home Office online service (for eVisa holders), or original immigration documents showing your right to be in the UK. The specific documents accepted are listed in two groups: List A (unlimited right) and List B (time-limited right).

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my nationality?

No. Landlords must not discriminate based on nationality, race, or ethnicity. They must conduct the same check for all prospective tenants. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can report it to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

What if I cannot prove my right to rent?

If you have a pending immigration application, your landlord can use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service to verify your right to rent. If you have no immigration status at all, you may not be able to rent privately, but local authority housing may be available.

Does right to rent apply in Scotland?

No. Right-to-rent checks only apply in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not have equivalent requirements, though landlords in those countries still cannot rent to someone they know has no right to be in the UK.

Right to Rent for Tenants: What You Need to Know

In England, landlords must verify that tenants have the right to rent before letting a property. As a tenant, you need to provide identity and immigration documents. This guide covers what to expect, your rights against discrimination, and what to do if you face difficulties.

What Is a Right-to-Rent Check?

Since 2016, landlords in England have been required to check that tenants have the right to rent residential accommodation. This is similar to the right-to-work check that employers must conduct. The check must happen before the tenancy begins.

The requirement applies to all new tenancies in England. It does not apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Documents You May Need

The documents accepted for right-to-rent checks fall into two categories:

Unlimited Right to Rent

British passport (current or expired)
Irish passport or Irish passport card
Certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen
An online share code showing settled status or ILR

Time-Limited Right to Rent

An online share code showing your current visa or pre-settled status
A valid visa or immigration document showing permission to be in the UK
A Positive Verification Notice from the Landlord Checking Service

If you have an eVisa, you generate a share code through your UKVI online account and give this to your landlord. The landlord uses it on the GOV.UK checking service to confirm your right to rent.

Your Rights as a Tenant

You are protected against discrimination during the right-to-rent process:

Landlords must check all prospective tenants, not just those who appear to be foreign.
Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of your nationality, race, or ethnicity.
Landlords cannot charge you for conducting the check.
If you have a time-limited right to rent, the landlord must conduct follow-up checks but cannot evict you simply because your visa is due to expire (if you have applied to extend, you are protected).

If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission or your local Citizens Advice.

Pending Immigration Applications

If you have applied to extend your visa and are waiting for a decision, you are likely covered by Section 3C leave. Your landlord can verify your right to rent through the Home Office Landlord Checking Service. They submit a request and receive a Positive Verification Notice if your right to rent is confirmed.

This process can take up to 2 working days. If you are house-hunting with a pending application, mention this to potential landlords early and explain the verification process.

Follow-Up Checks

If you have time-limited right to rent, your landlord must conduct a follow-up check before your permission expires. If you have renewed your visa, provide your new share code or documents. If your application is pending, the landlord uses the Landlord Checking Service again.

Your landlord should give you reasonable notice before a follow-up check and should not repeatedly ask for documents outside the required schedule.

Practical Tips for Tenants

Generate your share code before viewing properties so you can provide it quickly.
Keep copies of all documents you provide to landlords.
If you are on a visa with an expiry date, proactively inform your landlord when you renew.
If a landlord refuses to rent to you despite valid documents, record the interaction and seek advice.
When renting as a visa holder, understanding right-to-rent rules helps you prepare.

Next Steps

Before searching for accommodation, ensure you have the right documents or share code ready. Understand your rights against discrimination and know where to seek help if needed.

Related guides:

Right to Rent: A Guide for Tenants