Who is checked
Before a new tenancy, a landlord or agent in England must check adults aged 18 or over who will use the property as their main home, including people not named on the agreement. The scheme does not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
British and Irish citizens can use eligible identity documents. Many other applicants prove status online with an eVisa share code.
What a fair check looks like
The landlord should apply the process consistently rather than checking only people they assume are from overseas. They may inspect original documents, use the Home Office online service or, for eligible documents, an identity service provider.
They must return originals and keep evidence securely for the required period. A time-limited right can mean another check later.
When documents are unavailable
If the Home Office holds your documents or an application is outstanding, the landlord may be able to use the Landlord Checking Service. Explain this early and provide the relevant reference.
Do not send identity documents through an insecure channel without confirming who is receiving them and why.
Official sources and further reading
- Private renting: document checksGOV.UK
- Checking your tenant’s right to rentGOV.UK · Home Office