Right to Rent Checks for Landlords | Letting Agents Doncaster

Quick answer

Landlord guide to Right to Rent checks in the UK — who to check, acceptable documents, civil penalties, and how letting agents can help in Doncaster.

Right to Rent checks are a legal requirement for all private landlords in England. Before a tenancy begins, you must verify that every adult occupant has the right to live in the UK. Get it wrong and you face civil penalties — even if you use an agent.

Who must be checked

Every adult aged 18 or over who will live at the property as their main home, whether named on the tenancy agreement or not. This includes tenants, lodgers, and any other adult occupants.

How to conduct checks

For British and Irish citizens

Since 2025, manual document checks for British and Irish citizens have been replaced by online eligibility checks via the Home Office online service. Follow the current Home Office guidance for the verification process applicable at the time of the check.

For other nationals

Check original acceptable documents (passport, biometric residence permit, etc.) in the presence of the holder, or use the Home Office online checking service where the tenant has share codes.

Follow-up checks

If a tenant has time-limited leave to remain, you must conduct follow-up checks before their permission expires. Failure to do so creates a statutory excuse against penalties — without follow-up, you lose that protection.

Record keeping

Copy documents before the tenancy starts (or record online check results)
Note the date of the check
Retain records for one year after the tenancy ends
Keep follow-up check records

Penalties

The Home Office can issue civil penalties:

First breach: up to £5,000 per lodger/tenant
Repeat breach: up to £10,000 per lodger/tenant

There is no cap per property — penalties apply per individual not checked.

Agent responsibility

If you use a letting agent, agree in writing who conducts Right to Rent checks. Agents can conduct checks on your behalf and establish your statutory excuse — but only if done correctly and before the tenancy starts.

We conduct checks on every tenancy

Our Doncaster letting service includes Right to Rent verification for all adult occupants before move-in. We stay current with Home Office rule changes so you do not have to.