For England only

Right to rent user guide

The right to rent checks: A user guide for tenants and landlords has once again been updated.

There are a lot of changes to this document from the last document that was released on 1 July 2021. However the document is now a lot clearer on what documents are acceptable for a right to rent check and how a landlord or agent can check the documents either by using the online right to rent checking service or the landlord checking service, with added links and contact information.

You can still use the Covid 19 temporary measures when checking a right to rent document up until 5 April 2022 by taking the following steps:

  • ask the tenant to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app
  • arrange a video call with the tenant – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents
  • record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”
  • if the tenant has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system you can use the online right to rent service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details

Please see a link for the updated guide below

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1015175/2021.08.24_RTR_User_Guide.pdf