Right to rent

Private landlords and agents are legally required to check the immigration status of all prospective tenants.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

A landlord will want to see an original copy of your passport and any relevant visa document demonstrating a legal right to live in the UK. If you are unable to provide such documentation because your application is in process or you’re appealing a decision, the landlord can ask for a ‘right to rent’ check from the Home Office.

See the website for more information: www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents

WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO RENT?

Depending on your immigration status you will either have an unlimited right to rent or a time-limited right to rent.

CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19

As a result of COVID-19 there are additional ways you can check documents, including digitally, making checks on a video call, and what to do if a tenant cannot provide any accepted documents.

See the website for more information: www.gov.uk/ guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rentchecks

EU RESIDENTS

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and need support regarding Right to Rent please read through information at: www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents/ how-to-check

Depending on your immigration status you will need to have the following checks

I have an unlimited right to rent I have time-limited right to rent

Right-to-rent checks take place before the start of your tenancy

Right-to-rent checks must be done within 28 days of the tenancy start date

No further checks are required for this tenancy Your documents will need to be checked again at the following intervals:

Annually from the date the last checks were made

Until the expiration of your ‘leave to be in the UK’

Until the expiration of the documentation which evidences your right to be in the UK

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY ON WWW.GOV.UK

If you need further help or advice, visit the International Student Support Office, Level 3, Sherfield Building