Who to check and when
- Every adult (18 or over) who will live in the property as their only or main home, named on the tenancy or not.
- Before the tenancy agreement is entered into. For someone with time-limited permission, no earlier than 28 days before the tenancy starts.
- Follow-up checks for people with time-limited permission, before it expires.
Three ways to check
| Method | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Home Office online check (share code) | People with an eVisa (compulsory for them from 1 October 2026) or other digital status. Check someone's right to rent |
| Manual document check | People with acceptable documents from the code's List A or List B (for example a British or Irish passport). See in person or by live video with originals, then copy |
| Right to rent digital verification service provider (DVSP) | Valid British or Irish passports (including the Irish passport card), and some documents supplied digitally by the issuer, via a certified provider |
Right to rent fines
| Breach | Per lodger | Per occupier |
|---|---|---|
| First breach | £5,000 | £10,000 |
| Repeat breach within 3 years | £10,000 | £20,000 |
The 1 October 2026 code adds a fast payment option: a 30% reduction if paid within 21 days. A properly done check gives you a statutory excuse against a penalty.
Keep records
Keep copies of the documents or the online check result, with the date of the check, for the whole tenancy and for one year after it ends.
Treat every applicant the same way and check everyone, to avoid discrimination. Since 1 May 2026, you also cannot refuse tenants because they have children or receive benefits.