How to Rent Legally in the UK Without Immigration Documents

If you cannot provide a passport, share code, or immigration document, you may still be able to prove your right to rent by using two alternative documents. These documents must confirm your identity, residency, or immigration status and should be presented to your landlord.

This option is available to anyone, including non-British and non-Irish citizens.

Accepted Combinations of Two Documents

You can use any two of the following documents to prove your right to rent:

 A current UK driving licence (full or provisional)
 A full birth or adoption certificate (UK, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, or Ireland)
 A letter from your employer (dated within the last 3 months)
 A letter from a British passport holder in an ‘accepted profession’
 A letter from a UK government department or local council
 Proof that you currently receive benefits (dated within the last 3 months)
 A letter from a British school, college, or university confirming current enrolment
 A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (dated within the last 3 months)
 Proof of UK armed forces service (current or former service)
 A letter from a private rented sector access scheme or charity supporting your housing
 A letter confirming recent release from prison (within the last 6 months)
 A letter confirming probation status (dated within the last 3 months)
 A letter from the UK police about the theft of your passport (must include a crime reference number)

 Important: If using a letter, email, or DBS certificate, it must be dated within the last 3 months.

Additional Requirements for Specific Documents

 Using a Birth or Adoption Certificate

• The certificate must be from Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, the UK, or Ireland.
• It must list at least one birth or adoptive parent.

 Using a Letter from Your Employer

• The letter must be dated within the last 3 months.
• It must include:
   Your National Insurance (NI) or employee number
   Employer’s name, address, and signature

 Using a Letter from a British Passport Holder

• The letter must be from someone in an ‘accepted profession’ (e.g., teacher, doctor, accountant).
• It must include:
   Their name, address, passport number, and job title
   Their most recent work address
   How long they’ve known you and your relationship

 Using a Letter from a UK Government Department or Local Council

• The letter must be dated within the last 3 months.
• It must show:
   Signature and work address of the named official

 Using Proof of Benefits

• A letter or screenshot of an email showing the benefits you receive.
• Must be from one of these organisations:
   Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
   Jobcentre Plus
   HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
   A local council
   Department for Social Development (Northern Ireland)

 Using a DBS Certificate

• The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate must be dated within the last 3 months.

 Using a Letter from a British School, College, or University

• The letter must confirm:
   Your current enrolment
   The duration of your study
   Your course name

 Using Proof of UK Armed Forces Service

• You can provide an identity card or document confirming your service.

 Using a Letter from a Housing Scheme or Charity

• If you receive housing support, the letter must:
   Confirm your rental property address
   Explain the type of support you’re receiving
   Be dated within the last 3 months

 Using a Letter Confirming Recent Prison Release

• The letter must be from HM, Scottish, or Northern Ireland Prison Service.
• It must show:
   That you were released in the last 6 months
   Your date of birth

 Using a Letter Confirming Probation Status

• The letter from your offender manager must be dated within the last 3 months.

 Using a Letter from UK Police About a Stolen Passport

• The letter must:
  Confirm that your passport was stolen
  Include a crime reference number
  Be dated within the last 3 months

What If You Cannot Prove Your Right to Rent?

If you cannot provide two valid documents:

• Your landlord can request a Home Office right to rent check.
• If you are a Commonwealth citizen, you may be able to prove your right to rent through the Windrush Scheme.

If you don’t have a passport or share code, you can still prove your right to rent in England by providing two alternative documents. These documents must confirm your identity and residency and be dated within the last 3 months if required.

If you are unable to provide the necessary documents, your landlord can request a Home Office right to rent check. Commonwealth citizens can also use the Windrush Scheme to obtain proof.

By preparing your documents in advance, you can avoid delays when renting a property in England.

FAQ