If you want to rent a home in England, you must prove your right to rent before signing a rental agreement. The documents required depend on your nationality and immigration status. This rule applies only in England—you do not need to prove your right to rent in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Who Needs to Prove Their Right to Rent?
- British or Irish citizens: Must provide proof of citizenship.
- Non-British or Non-Irish citizens: Must provide immigration documents or a share code.
- Commonwealth citizens: May be able to prove their right to rent through the Windrush Scheme.
How to Prove Your Right to Rent
If You’re a British or Irish Citizen
You can prove your right to rent in England by showing your landlord one of the following documents:
A British passport (current or expired)
An Irish passport or passport card (current or expired)
A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen
What If You Don’t Have a Passport or Citizenship Certificate?
- If you don’t have these documents, you may be able to use alternative documents to prove your right to rent.
- You can also use an online identity service provider (IDSP) if your landlord offers this option.
If You’re Not a British or Irish Citizen
If you are a foreign national, you can prove your right to rent in England using:
A share code – You can get this online through the UK government’s Right to Rent service.
Your original immigration documents – Such as a biometric residence permit, visa, or other Home Office-issued documents.
What If You Cannot Use a Share Code or Immigration Documents?
- You may be able to use alternative documents to prove your right to rent.
- Your landlord cannot reject your application just because you provide an immigration document instead of a share code.
If You Cannot Prove Your Right to Rent
If you are not a British or Irish citizen and cannot provide proof, your landlord can request a Home Office right to rent check to confirm your status.
For Commonwealth Citizens (Windrush Scheme)
- If you are a Commonwealth citizen and have lived in the UK for a long time but don’t have the necessary documents, you may be able to get proof of your right to rent through the Windrush Scheme.
- This scheme helps eligible individuals obtain documentation confirming their right to live, work, and rent in the UK.
Before renting a home in England, you must prove your right to rent based on your citizenship or immigration status. British and Irish citizens can provide a passport or citizenship certificate, while non-citizens must use a share code or immigration documents. If you are unsure about your right to rent, your landlord can request a Home Office check, and Commonwealth citizens may be able to use the Windrush Scheme.
FAQ
What is the right to rent check in England?
It is a legal requirement that tenants prove their right to rent before signing a rental agreement. This applies only in England.
Do I need to prove my right to rent in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
No, the right to rent check only applies in England. You do not need to provide documents in other parts of the UK.
How can British and Irish citizens prove their right to rent?
They can provide a British or Irish passport (even if expired) or a certificate of registration/naturalisation as a British citizen.
What if I am not a British or Irish citizen?
You can prove your right to rent with a share code (available online) or original immigration documents issued by the Home Office.
Can my landlord reject my rental application based on how I prove my right to rent?
No, landlords cannot discriminate based on whether you provide a share code or an eligible immigration document.
What if I can’t prove my right to rent?
Your landlord can request a Home Office right to rent check. Commonwealth citizens may also apply for proof through the Windrush Scheme.
How do I get a share code for my right to rent?
You can generate a share code online through the UK government’s Right to Rent checking service.