Right to Rent puts a slice of immigration enforcement on the landlord. It's not difficult, but it must be done for the right people, in the right way, before the tenancy starts — and the records kept. Skipping it carries civil penalties and, for knowing breaches, worse.
Who and when
You must check every adult (18+) who will live in the property as their main home, not just the named tenant, and you must do it before the tenancy begins. Checking only the lead tenant is a common and risky shortcut.
How to check
- Manual check of original acceptable documents, in the person's presence, with dated copies kept.
- Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) via a certified provider for British and Irish citizens with valid passports.
- The Home Office online check using the individual's share code and date of birth — now the norm for most people with digital immigration status.
Time-limited status means follow-up checks
If someone has time-limited permission to be in the UK, you must schedule a follow-up check before it expires. Miss the follow-up and your statutory excuse against a penalty can fall away.
Records
- 1Keep clear, dated evidence of every check for the duration of the tenancy plus one year.
- 2Record the date of the check and any follow-up date.
- 3Apply the same process to every tenant — inconsistency invites discrimination claims as well as penalties.
How Rentwire helps
Right to Rent fails quietly — usually a missed follow-up check on time-limited status. Rentwire stores each occupier's check date and any expiry-linked follow-up, and reminds you before it's due, so the statutory excuse you rely on stays intact across every tenancy.
This article is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and individual circumstances differ — check the latest guidance from GOV.UK or a qualified professional before acting.