Right to Rent Checks Explained
What a Right to Rent check is, who needs one, and which documents or share codes you'll need to rent in England.
Founder & Director, SPL Agency · 21 June 2026
Before you move into a rented home in England, your landlord or agent must carry out a Right to Rent check. It's quick and routine — here's what to expect.
What is Right to Rent?
Right to Rent comes from the Immigration Act 2014. It requires landlords and agents in England to confirm that every adult who will live in the property has the legal right to rent here, before the tenancy begins.
Who has to be checked?
Everyone aged 18 or over who will live in the property as their main home must be checked — even if they are not named on the tenancy agreement.
What you'll need to show
Most British and Irish citizens prove their right with a passport. Many other people now prove it digitally using a Home Office share code, which the landlord verifies online. We'll tell you exactly what we need when you apply, and the check takes only a few minutes.
Whose responsibility is it?
It is the landlord's or agent's legal responsibility to carry out and record the check correctly. At SPL Agency we handle this as part of referencing, so it's one less thing for you to worry about. Learn more in our student renting guide, or enquire about a property.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Right to Rent check?
It is a legal check, introduced by the Immigration Act 2014, that landlords and agents in England must make to confirm every adult tenant has the right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts.
Who needs a Right to Rent check?
Every person aged 18 or over who will live in the property as their main home, whether or not they are named on the tenancy agreement.
What documents do I need for Right to Rent?
British and Irish citizens usually use a passport. Others often prove their status online with a Home Office share code, which the agent verifies. We tell you exactly what's needed when you apply.