Carrying out Right to Rent checks is a legal requirement for all landlords and letting agents. Whether you manage one property or a large portfolio, ensuring these checks are done properly protects you from penalties and keeps your lettings process compliant. At LetHQ, we help landlords and agents handle these checks efficiently through digital tools and clear guidance.
The Right to Rent forms part of the Immigration Act 2014 and requires landlords and agents to confirm that every adult tenant has the legal right to live in the UK. This applies to everyone who will live in the property, even if they’re not named on the tenancy agreement.
The purpose is to prevent tenancies being granted to individuals without lawful immigration status. While the concept is simple, understanding documents, online checks, and follow-up requirements can feel complex — which is why having a reliable process in place is essential.
Completing Right to Rent checks gives you a statutory excuse, meaning you are protected from penalties if a tenant’s immigration status later becomes unlawful. The checks must also be carried out fairly and consistently to avoid discrimination, so landlords should apply the same process to all applicants.
Beyond legal compliance, a smooth and well-documented process improves the tenant onboarding experience, reduces delays, and strengthens professional standards.
Checks must be completed before the tenancy starts. There are three valid ways to conduct them:
1. Manual Document Checks
Manual checks involve reviewing relevant original documents and you must ensure the documents appear genuine, photos and dates match the tenant, and names are consistent. Copies must be kept for the duration of the tenancy and one year after it ends.
2. Online Right to Rent Checks
Many tenants now hold digital immigration status. Using a share code provided by the tenant, landlords can verify their right to rent through the official Home Office online service. This method provides a clear, real-time confirmation that you should download and store as evidence. For more information view the .gov website for official guidance:
3. Landlord Checking Service (LCS)
If a tenant has an ongoing Home Office application or appeal and cannot provide documents, landlords can request a decision from the LCS. A positive response gives you a statutory excuse.
4. Approved IDVT Digital Check
Using UK government approved IDVT checks such as those offered by LetHQ. Our solution, designed to cut through the clutter and simplify your life. Using advanced UK Government certified Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT), we bring you a seamless, paperless, and efficient system for verifying the right to rent status of British and Irish tenants. Please see our website for further details - Let HQ.
For tenants with a time-limited right to rent, landlords must complete follow-up checks. These take place when the tenant’s immigration permission expires or 12 months after the previous check — whichever is later.
If a tenant no longer has the right to rent during a follow-up check, landlords must report this to the Home Office to remain compliant.
Right to Rent checks must be completed in a non-discriminatory way. Agents and Landlords cannot make assumptions based on nationality, language, ethnicity, or appearance. Every tenant must be asked to provide the same type of evidence and go through the same checking process.
Providing clear instructions to all applicants keeps the process transparent and avoids unintentional bias.
Some applicants struggle to provide documents promptly, or may present expired share codes. Others may be unfamiliar with digital status or unsure how to access their Home Office records. Agents and Landlords also frequently encounter missing Right to Rent documentation when taking over a tenancy from another landlord.
If previous records can’t be produced, new checks should be completed immediately.
LetHQ offers fast, simple Digital Right to Rent Checks to help landlords and agents stay compliant without the administrative hassle. Our service allows you to:
Achieve compliance in just three simple steps, with minimal effort on your part:
1. Initiate the Process: Send an email link for the tenant to complete online. That’s the only email you’ll need to send.
2. Tenant Participation: The tenant conducts the necessary checks via their smart device. They follow clear, concise instructions - no paperwork involved.
3. Receive Results: Detailed results, including all required documentation and verification statuses, are sent directly to your email. No follow-ups needed, no stress.
LetHQ’s Digital Right to Rent Checks are designed for letting agents and landlords who value both compliance and convenience. Our checks help you to stay compliant with ease and give total peace of mind. For further details visit www.LetHQ.co.uk or call 0343 612 2233 today.
