Right to Rent Eligibility Checker
Before a tenancy starts in England, landlords must check that every adult tenant has the right to rent in England under the Immigration Act 2014. This tool helps you find out whether you have the right to rent and what documents your landlord will need to see. Select your nationality and immigration status below.
Note: This tool provides guidance based on the rules in the Immigration Act 2014. It cannot access Home Office records or verify your immigration status. If your situation is unclear or complex, seek advice from a registered immigration adviser or solicitor.
How to use this tool
- Select your nationality from the options below.
- If prompted, select your immigration or visa status.
- Your results will show your right to rent status and the documents you can provide.
Understanding your results
An unlimited right to rent means your landlord can carry out a one-time check with no expiry date. A time-limited right to rent means your right expires when your leave expires. Your landlord is legally required to re-check your status before that date. No right to rent means your landlord cannot legally rent to you at this time. The tool will direct you to relevant advice services. For most non-UK and non-Irish nationals, your landlord must verify your right to rent using the Home Office online service using a share code you generate from the Home Office website.
How right to rent checks work in England
The right to rent scheme came into force in England under the Immigration Act 2014. It requires private landlords in England to check that adult tenants have leave to remain in the UK before granting a tenancy. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not covered by these provisions. The scheme applies to all new residential tenancy agreements. Landlords who rent to someone without the right to rent face civil penalties. For EU nationals with digital immigration status, landlords must use the Home Office online verification service and cannot require physical documents — demanding a physical passport or card when a digital share code exists is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. Tenants who need guidance can contact Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a registered immigration adviser.