This information only applies to those renting a home in England. You do not need to prove the right to rent in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
What is the right to rent in the UK?
Any private tenant in England must prove their right to rent before they start a tenancy.
The right to rent check was introduced in 2016. It requires all landlords or letting agents confirm that tenants have the legal right to live in the UK before renting to them.
The check applies to all prospective occupants over the age of 18, even if they are not named on the tenancy agreement.
What documents can be used to prove right to rent?
If you’re a British or Irish citizen you can prove your right to rent by showing any one of:
- a current or expired British passport
- a current or expired Irish passport or passport card
- a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen.
Regardless of whether they are a British citizen, anyone can prove their right to rent with any two of the following documents:
- a current UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- a full birth or adoption certificate from the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man or Ireland
- a letter from your employer
- a letter from a British passport holder in an ‘accepted profession’
- a letter from a UK government department or local council
- proof that you currently receive benefits
- a letter from a British school, college, or university that you currently attend
- a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate
- proof that you’ve served in the UK armed forces
- a letter from a private rented sector access scheme or a voluntary organisation that’s helping you with housing
- a letter confirming you’ve been released from prison within the past 6 months
- a letter confirming you’re on probation from your offender manager
- a letter from the UK police about the theft of your passport
Right to rent when you’re not a UK citizen
If you are not a UK citizen, you can prove your right to rent using any two of the documents from the list above. However, if you are new to the UK, you might not be able to obtain two of these pieces of evidence.
In this instance, you can also provide your original immigration documentation or your share code to your landlord or letting agent.
What is a right to rent share code?
A share code is an online code immigrants to the UK can use to prove their right to rent. You can apply for the code online provided you have a biometric resident card or permit or a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
To apply for a code visit this website. You’ll be asked to provide your date of birth and the details of your biometric residence permit, your biometric residence card or your passport or national identity card.
What if my visa application is pending?
Provided you submitted your visa application before your current visa expires, your letting agent or landlord can use the Home Office online checking system to confirm your right to rent.
