Landlords letting properties in England must check that all tenants, aged over 18, have the Right to Rent in the UK. You don't need to do this check in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
OpenRent's referencing reports offer advice for landlords on how to check a tenant's right to rent. Unfortunately, we can't check a tenants right to rent for you, since the law says that the original documents must be checked in person, with the tenant present.
The report will, however, let you know in detail what you are required to do to make sure you meet your legal obligations as a landlord. You can also check this Government guide for further information.
How to Carry Out a Right to Rent Check
*UPDATE* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the government has temporarily updated its Right to Rent guidance to permit virtual checks. You can read our guide to the new process here*
1. Agree a time to meet with all adult tenants (aged over 18) in person
2. Ask all adult tenants to provide original documents that verify their right to rent in the UK
3. Check that the documents meet the legal requirements, are genuine, and belong to the tenant(s).
4. Make copies of the documents and note the date they were checked
Where to Get Further Information and Guidance
We advise all landlords to read the government's guidance on right to rent, which can be found here. The government also provides a free helpline: 0300 790 6268.
List of acceptable documents: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/landlords-immigration-right-to-rent-checks
Further information on how to check documents: https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents/how-to-check
Guidance on letting to EU tenants: https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-rent
How to check Right to Rent where the documents are unavailable: https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/lcs-application.ofml