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Everyday Life · 2025 rules

Right to Rent Checker

Since 2016 landlords in England must check every adult tenant’s immigration status before granting a tenancy. This tells you which check to run.

Check method

Online share code

Use gov.uk/view-right-to-rent with the share code. Recheck on the date the visa expires — or 12 months from initial check, whichever is sooner.

Recheck required by: 2027-06-01

How we calculated your result

UK/Irish citizens still use physical documents (List A). Everyone else uses the online share-code service at gov.uk/view-right-to-rent. Time-limited visas need a recheck on expiry.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Check every adult who’ll live in the property as their main home — even sub-tenants.
  • Online check generates a PDF you must store for 12 months after the tenancy ends.
  • Civil penalty up to £20,000 per breach; criminal prosecution if ”knew or had reasonable cause to believe”.
  • Doesn’t apply to social housing, refuges, hospitals, care homes.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Don’t discriminate

    You must check EVERY tenant, not just ”foreign-sounding” ones. Selective checks = unlawful discrimination.

  • ⚠ Share code expiry

    Share codes expire after 90 days. If the prospective tenant’s code has expired, ask them to generate a fresh one.

  • ⚠ Refugees & asylum seekers

    May have a positive right to rent through Home Office documents. Don’t refuse — use the Landlord Checking Service.

Frequently asked questions

Wales, Scotland and NI?
Right to Rent applies to England only. No equivalent checks in Wales, Scotland or NI.
What if a tenant won’t provide docs?
You can’t lawfully grant the tenancy. Don’t take a deposit or sign.
Joint tenancies?
Check each named adult separately. One missing check exposes you to penalties even if others are fine.

Guidance only — not legal advice. Always follow the Code of Practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation at gov.uk.

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