What right to rent means
Right to rent is a common search for tenants moving in England. GOV.UK guidance says you must prove that you have the right to rent property in England if you are starting a tenancy and renting it as your main home.
There are exemptions, including some student accommodation, social housing, council accommodation, hostels and refuges, care homes, hospitals, and certain long leases.
Who gets checked
Landlords must check the documents or digital status of any adult living in the property. This can include people who are not named on the tenancy agreement but will live there as their main home.
The landlord must keep copies or evidence of the check for the required period and return original documents after checking.
British and Irish citizens
British and Irish citizens can usually prove right to rent with a passport or Irish passport card. If you do not have a passport, there may be other accepted documents.
Some landlords may use a Digital Verification Service to check identity digitally.
Tenants with immigration status
If you have an eVisa, you may need to generate a share code. If the Home Office has your documents, the landlord can use the Landlord Checking Service with your Home Office reference number.
If you are not sure what to provide, check GOV.UK before sending documents.
Discrimination is not allowed
Landlords must let tenants try to prove right to rent. GOV.UK guidance says landlords must not discriminate because of nationality.
DoorHop helps keep right to rent and application records organised, so tenants and agents can see what has been requested and submitted.