Right to rent immigration checks: landlords' code of practice
Guidance for landlords, homeowners and letting agents affected by the introduction of right to rent immigration checks.
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Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Read guidance about the adjusted process, including asking for documents digitally, making checks on a video call, and what to do if someone cannot provide any accepted documents.
The code of practice explains:
- if your property is affected
- if any exemptions apply
- how to carry out a right to rent check
- what documents individuals can show you as evidence of their right to rent
- when and how to request a right to rent check from the Home Office
- how to avoid unlawful discrimination when conducting immigration right to rent checks
- how the civil penalty scheme works
The ‘Code of practice for landlords: avoiding unlawful discrimination when conducting ‘right to rent’ checks in the private residential sector’ is being reviewed and will be updated shortly.
Landlords of properties throughout England should check that someone has the right to rent before letting them a property.
Read an overview of right to rent checks and the civil penalties landlords can face for illegal renting.
If you’re a tenant, find out how right to rent affects you in our guide to private renting.
A collection of guidance is also available to help landlords, homeowners and letting agents carry out correct right to rent checks and avoid civil penalties.
We are aware some of these publications may have accessibility issues. We are reviewing them so that we can fix these.
Read more about our accessible documents policy
Last updated 2 March 2022 + show all updates
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Added draft version of the code of practice on right to rent: civil penalty scheme for landlords and their agents: March 2022 and draft version of the code of practice for landlords: avoiding unlawful discrimination when conducting ‘right to rent’ checks in the private rented residential sector: March 2022.
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The 'Code of practice for landlords: avoiding unlawful discrimination when conducting 'right to rent' checks in the private residential sector' is being reviewed and will be updated shortly.
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Uploaded new pdf version of Code of practice on right to rent: Civil penalty scheme for landlords and their agents.
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Updated draft to current version of the code of practice on right to rent: civil penalty scheme for landlords and their agents.
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Draft code updated to reflect that from 1 July 2021, EEA citizens and their family members require immigration status in the UK, in the same way as other foreign nationals.
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Updated code of practice on right to rent: civil penalty scheme for landlords and their agents to add revised links for the online service.
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Updated code of practice for landlords and their agents published.
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Added the revised code of practice.
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Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Added a link to guidance about the adjusted process.
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PDF version of the code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation added.
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Annex A of 'Code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation' updated.
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Updated to reflect the England-wide roll out of right to rent.
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Updated details on page to reflect roll-out of the scheme in England.
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Updated draft code of practice.
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Added draft code of practice to the page (intended to come into force on 1 February 2016)
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Updated right to rent information leaflet
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Added new version of leaflet - makes clear that checks apply to landlords who own property in the affected areas, not necessarily landlords who live in those areas.
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added link to new online employer checking service form
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Added new document
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Updated codes of practice
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Updated draft codes of practice.
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Updated code of practice
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added information leaflet
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First published.