The easiest way to reference tenants online
Right To Rent
What is Right to Rent?
From 1st February 2016, landlords in England will be required to check that an individual has the right to live in the UK before letting a property to them. This includes landlords who take in lodgers or sub-let property. You may ask your letting agent to conduct these checks for you, but this should be agreed in writing.
Who will it affect?
- All adults aged 18 and over living at the property.
- New tenancy agreements starting on or after 1 February 2016.
- If you let a property after this date to someone who doesn't have the right to rent, you could be fined up to £3,000.
What do I need to do?
On most occasions you will be able to carry out the checks without contacting the Home Office. All you need to do is check evidence of a person's identity and citizenship, for example a passport or biometric residence permit and ensure that you take copies of their documents.
Only you can carry out these checks as they require the person checking to see the original document(s) and tenant(s) together in person.
To help you conduct these checks we have built the Home Office's checking tool and Right to Rent guidance into all Lettingref accounts. Once you have checked and copied a tenant's documents you can store them securely online using our document store.
How do I check a passport?
We have provided document guidance to help you check passports and ID cards below.
