Right to rent document checks: a user guide (updated)

Published 15 January 2016

Last updated 16 July 2025 — See all updates

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

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

Details

The adjustments to right to rent checks introduced on 30 March 2020 as part of the response to COVID-19, ended on 30 September 2022. See guidance about the adjusted process.

As of 1 October 2022, landlords must carry out the prescribed checks set out in this guidance.

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