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Guidance

Right to rent document checks: a user guide

Guidance for landlords and tenants on how right to rent checks should be carried out and which documents are acceptable.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Visas and Immigration and Home Office
Published:
15 January 2016
Last updated:
10 August 2026
Show all updates

  1. Information about COVID-19 checks has been removed as it is out of date. The easy read version has been moved to the Landlord's guide to right to rent (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landlords-guide-to-right-to-rent-checks).

  2. Published an updated version of the easy read guide to documents for right to rent checks for landlords and tenants.

  3. Updated the guide to immigration documents for tenants and landlords. A full list of changes can be found in the guide.

  4. Added Easy Read version of guidance.

  5. Adjustments to right to rent checks introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic ended on 30 September 2022.

  6. Updated information about adjusted online checks.

  7. There are updates in the user guide about the ending of the temporary adjusted checks.

  8. Updated information for landlords carrying out right to work checks from 1 October.

  9. Updated guidance published, changes are detailed on page 3.

  10. This guidance is being updated and will be available soon.

  11. Added accessible HTML version.

  12. Updated information relating to the way in which those with outstanding EUSS applications evidence their right to rent.

  13. Withdrawn out of date guidance.

  14. Updated guidance due to legislation change.

  15. Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Added a link to guidance about the adjusted process.

  16. Updated guidance

  17. Updated guidance.

  18. First published.

Documents

Right to rent checks: a guide to immigration documents for tenants and landlords (accessible)

HTML

Right to rent checks: a guide to immigration documents for tenants and landlords

PDF, 477 KB, 18 pages

Details

This guidance provides landlords with information about the rules for document checks, examples of acceptable documents and frequently asked questions.

Landlords will also be able to find information on:

  • checking the validity of documents
  • retaining evidence
  • what you can do if you do not have standard identity documents

We are aware this publication may have accessibility issues, for example if you use assistive technology.

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