As a tenant looking to rent a residential property in the UK, it’s essential to be aware of the Right to Rent check carried out by landlords to ensure that prospective tenants have the legal status to reside in the country. To help you prepare for this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of acceptable documents, divided into List A and List B, that you might need to present to your landlord.
List A: Documents Demonstrating Unlimited Right to Rent
Group 1 – Any one of these documents is sufficient:
- British passport (current or expired)
- EEA/Swiss national passport or identity card (current or expired)
- Permanent residence card or document certifying permanent residence issued by the Home Office
- Biometric residence permit or card showing indefinite leave to remain, enter, or reside
- Certificate of naturalisation or registration as a British citizen
Group 2 – Any two of these documents in combination:
- UK birth or adoption certificate
- Full or provisional UK driving licence (photocard or paper counterpart)
- Letter from HM Prison Service, a probation officer, or a bail accommodation provider confirming your current address
- Current UK firearm or shotgun certificate
- Evidence of current or previous service in the UK armed forces
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check issued within the last three months
- Benefits paperwork issued within the last three months
List B: Documents Demonstrating Limited Right to Rent
- Valid passport endorsed with a visa or leave to enter or remain in the UK
- Biometric residence permit or card showing limited leave to enter or remain in the UK
- Certificate of application for UK immigration status issued by the Home Office less than six months ago, along with proof of your right to work from the Home Office Employer Checking Service
- Verification issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service indicating you may stay in the UK and have the right to rent
- Application Registration Card (ARC) issued by the Home Office stating you are permitted to take the work offered
- Immigration status document issued by the Home Office with an endorsement indicating you have the right to rent in the UK
As a responsible tenant, it is essential to ensure that the documents you provide to your prospective landlord are genuine, unaltered, and valid for the duration of your stay. By presenting the relevant documents, you will demonstrate your identity and your right to rent in the UK, allowing your landlord to meet their legal obligations and providing a smooth and compliant renting experience for both parties.