Right to Rent checks: What every landlord must know this summer

Stay compliant and avoid costly penalties with the latest guidance on Right to Rent checks.

Letting out your property in North Oxfordshire and South Northants this summer? Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or renting for the first time, keeping on top of legal obligations is essential – and Right to Rent checks are one of the most important responsibilities you hold.

At Cherry Lets, we support landlords across North Oxfordshire and South Northants to stay compliant, avoid delays, and protect themselves from costly mistakes. Here's what you need to know about Right to Rent checks this summer – especially if you’ve got new tenants moving in or viewings planned over the August Bank Holiday.

What is a Right to Rent check?

Introduced as part of the Immigration Act 2014, Right to Rent checks are a legal requirement in England. They require landlords to check whether a tenant has the legal right to live in the UK before granting a tenancy. If you let a property to someone who doesn’t have the correct immigration status – even unknowingly – you could face fines of up to £3,000 per tenant or, in more serious cases, criminal prosecution.

Who needs to be checked?

All adult tenants (aged 18 and over), regardless of nationality, must be checked before they move into a rental property. This includes those who aren’t listed on the tenancy agreement, such as adult children or partners.

What documents are needed?

Acceptable documents include:

• A valid British or Irish passport
  

• A Home Office share code (for EU or non-UK nationals using the online checking system)
  

• Immigration status documents
  

• Biometric Residence Permits or Cards
  

It’s your responsibility as a landlord to verify that the documents are genuine and belong to the person in front of you. If using physical documents, copies must be dated and stored securely.

Changes and updates to be aware of

There have been a number of updates over the past few years, particularly around the online Right to Rent service. If a tenant provides a share code, you must use the Home Office’s online checker rather than accepting physical documents. The temporary Covid-19 adjustments allowing remote checks via video calls have now ended – so checks must be done in person or via the digital route.

Do you need to re-check tenants?

In most cases, tenants with time-limited immigration status must be re-checked shortly before their right to rent expires. Failing to do so could again result in penalties. If you’re unsure whether your tenant’s documents require a follow-up check, we’re happy to advise.

Letting agents can handle checks on your behalf

At Cherry Lets, we carry out full Right to Rent checks for our landlords in North Oxfordshire and South Northants as part of our tenant referencing process. We keep clear records, follow Home Office guidance, and ensure every tenancy is fully compliant from day one.

Don’t leave it to chance this summer

With a surge in summer tenant activity, especially in North Oxfordshire and South Northants, now is the time to double-check your processes. If you’ve got a property coming to market or a tenancy due to start soon, let’s make sure everything is in order.

We’re here to take the hassle off your hands – and protect you from legal and financial risk.