{"id":31157,"date":"2025-12-17T09:05:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T09:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwooduk.com\/?p=31157"},"modified":"2025-12-17T09:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T09:05:15","slug":"how-to-conduct-a-right-to-rent-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwooduk.com\/guides\/landlords\/how-to-conduct-a-right-to-rent-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to conduct a right-to-rent check?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding the right tenant is about more than making sure they\u2019ll look after your property and pay rent on time. As a landlord, you also have a legal duty to check that every adult tenant has the right to rent in the UK. This process is called a right-to-rent check, and it must be done before you hand over the keys.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain everything landlords need to know, from what the law says to the documents you should ask for.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>Right to rent fines increase<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Why do you have to conduct a right-to-rent check?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The right-to-rent scheme was introduced by the government to make sure only people who are legally allowed to live in the UK can rent a home here. It\u2019s part of the Immigration Act 2014.<\/span><\/p>\n

By carrying out a right-to-rent check, you\u2019re making sure your tenants have the legal right to live in your property. It also helps protect you from penalties if you unknowingly rent to someone without the correct status.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who conducts a right-to-rent check?<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s the landlord\u2019s responsibility to carry out right-to-rent checks. However, if you use a letting agent, they can take care of the process for you. In that case, it must be agreed in writing that the agent is handling the checks.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you manage the property yourself, the duty sits with you. Even if you trust your tenant, you can\u2019t skip this step.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>What type of tenant is right for you?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Is it illegal not to do a right-to-rent check?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes. Failing to carry out a right-to-rent check is against the law. If you rent to someone who doesn\u2019t have the right to live in the UK, you could face a civil penalty of up to \u00a33,000 per tenant (source: gov.uk).<\/span><\/p>\n

In more serious cases, knowingly renting to someone without the right to rent could even lead to a prison sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

When should a right-to-rent check be conducted?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The check must be carried out before the tenancy starts. More specifically:<\/span><\/p>\n