If you’re not a British or Irish citizen, you will usually need a share code to prove your right to rent in England. This code allows landlords to verify your immigration status online and check how long you can rent a property.
British and Irish citizens do not need a share code and must prove their right to rent using passports or other documents.
Who Can Get a Share Code?
You can use the government’s Right to Rent service to generate a share code if you have:
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – Even if expired
A Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
A UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
How Do You Know If You Have a UKVI Account?
You will have a UKVI account if you have ever:
- Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
- Used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app when applying for a visa
- Created a UKVI account when applying for a visa (check your email for a confirmation)
- Created a UKVI account to access an eVisa (your online immigration record)
How to Get a Share Code
Go to the UK Government’s ‘Right to Rent’ Service
- Visit the official website to request your share code.
Log in with Your UKVI Account
- Enter your details, including your biometric residence permit (BRP) number or passport details.
Generate Your Share Code
- Once logged in, the system will generate a 9-character share code (e.g., AB12CD34E).
Give the Code to Your Landlord
- Your landlord will enter the code online to verify your right to rent and check the length of your permitted stay.
What If You Cannot Get a Share Code?
- If you cannot use the online service, you can prove your right to rent with your original immigration documents (such as a visa or residence permit).
- Your landlord cannot refuse your application just because you provide immigration documents instead of a share code.
If you’re a non-British or non-Irish citizen, proving your right to rent in England is easy with a share code. This online system allows landlords to quickly verify your immigration status. If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), biometric residence card (BRC), or a UKVI account, you can get a share code online. If you can’t access the service, you can use your original immigration documents instead.
FAQ
Who needs a share code to prove their right to rent?
Non-British and non-Irish citizens who have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), Biometric Residence Card (BRC), or a UKVI account need a share code.
How do I get a share code for renting in England?
You can get a share code online through the UK government’s Right to Rent checking service by logging in with your UKVI account.
What if I don’t have a UKVI account?
If you don’t have a UKVI account, you may still prove your right to rent with your original immigration documents, such as a visa or residence permit.
Can my landlord refuse my rental application if I provide immigration documents instead of a share code?
No, landlords cannot reject your application just because you give them an eligible immigration document instead of a share code.
Can I use an expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to get a share code?
Yes, you can still use an expired BRP to generate a share code for renting in England.
How long does it take to get a share code?
You can generate a share code instantly by logging into the government’s Right to Rent service with your UKVI account.
What should I do if I cannot get a share code online?
If you cannot use the online service, you can show your original immigration documents to your landlord as proof of your right to rent.