Guides › Rent and Deposits › Right to Rent Checks: What the Landlord Can Ask For
Right to Rent Checks: What the Landlord Can Ask For
Before you can rent in England, you need to prove your right to rent to your landlord. British or Irish citizens can show a passport, current or expired. Other citizens can give a GOV.UK share code or original immigration documents, and the landlord cannot reject you for giving eligible documents instead of a share code. You do not need to prove it in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Proving Right to Rent
British and Irish
Show a British passport (current or expired), an Irish passport or passport card (current or expired), or a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen. Without these, other documents may be accepted, and an online identity service provider may be available. source
Other Citizens
Provide either a share code from GOV.UK or your original immigration documents. You can choose which, and a landlord cannot reject you for giving an eligible immigration document instead of a share code. source
If You Cannot Prove It
The landlord can ask for a Home Office right to rent check. Commonwealth citizens may be able to get documents through the Windrush Scheme. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- EnglandRight to rent checks applyNot Wales, Scotland or NI
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your passport or immigration documents.
Step 2 of 5
If you have a share code, generate it on GOV.UK.
Step 3 of 5
Ask the landlord to accept the document you choose.
Step 4 of 5
If you cannot prove it, ask the landlord to request a Home Office check.
Step 5 of 5
Get immigration advice from a regulated adviser if your status is unclear.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Prove Your Right to Rent (GOV.UK)
Share codes and documents.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
This page is information only. Immigration advice must come from a regulated adviser.
Refusing you for having children or claiming benefits is separate discrimination: see our page on rental discrimination.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 14 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent Checked 14 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026