Who must comply?
All private landlords in England (and their agents) must check that every adult occupier has a legal right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts. There are separate rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Step 1: Obtain acceptable documents or an online check
You can use List A (unlimited right) or List B (time-limited right) documents in person, or the Home Office online service where the tenant has a share code. Take a clear copy (physical or PDF) and note the date of the check.
Step 2: Check authenticity
Documents must be original (or verified digitally where allowed), belong to the person, and be valid. For in-person checks, you must see the person, use video protocols only where the scheme permits.
Step 3: Follow up on time-limited status
If the tenant has a time-limited right, you must repeat the check before their permission expires and retain evidence.
Penalties
Civil penalties: £1,000 per occupier for a first breach and up to £20,000 per occupier for a repeat breach (increased from April 2024). Criminal sanctions — unlimited fine and up to 5 years' imprisonment — apply for knowingly letting to someone without the right to rent. Always verify current penalty levels at GOV.UK.
Record-keeping
Keep copies and check dates for at least one year after the tenancy ends. Good records are your defence if challenged.
Right to Rent checks guide → · Track compliance per property →
Acceptable Right to Rent documents (2026 list)
The Home Office publishes the full list; below are the most common categories.
List A — Unlimited leave / British citizens:
List B — Time-limited leave (follow-up check required):
Online checks: Use the GOV.UK Landlord Checking Service for share codes — it gives you a date-stamped result to keep on file.
Key rule: Carry out a fresh check before the permission expires. LetCompliance sets an automatic follow-up reminder so the date never slips.
Start a free trial and set automatic Right to Rent reminders →
📄 Free PDF — 2026 UK Landlord Compliance Cheat Sheet
Every Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit and Right to Rent deadline on one printable A4 page. Updated for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
- Every UK statutory deadline by document type
- Maximum penalty per breach (HSE, MEES, RtR, deposit)
- What blocks a Section 8 / Form 6A possession claim
- Print-friendly A4 with checkboxes
Frequently asked questions
When must a landlord complete Right to Rent checks?
In England, you must check every adult who will live in the property before the tenancy starts. Keep copies and the date of check; for time-limited rights, schedule follow-up checks before leave expires.
What are the fines for Right to Rent mistakes?
Civil penalties can reach thousands of pounds per occupier, with higher amounts for repeat breaches. Criminal offences apply where someone knowingly lets to a person without the right to rent.