Right to Rent initial check — landlord obligations in England
Before any adult moves into your property, you must check their right to rent by seeing original documents (or using the online Landlord Checking Service for digital statuses). You must make copies of the documents and record the date of check. These copies must be kept for the duration of the tenancy plus one year. This applies to all landlords of residential premises in England only.
The law that creates this obligation
Your obligations as a landlord
- Who this applies to: All landlords of residential premises in England (Wales excluded).
- When it applies: Before any adult occupies the premises — before they move in.
- What you must do: Obtain and check original prescribed documents (or online service code), copy them, and record the date of check. Retain copies for the tenancy period plus one year.
What good evidence looks like
Your compliance file should contain
- Written record or document confirming this obligation has been met
- Date of compliance — email timestamp, signed receipt, or platform log
Upload copies of identity documents or the Landlord Checking Service response code, with the date of check recorded.
Record this obligation in your LettingsLedger workspace
Upload evidence, set reminders, and build a timestamped compliance record — all in one place.
Consequences of non-compliance
Civil penalty up to £10,000 per occupier for a first breach, and up to £20,000 per occupier for a repeat breach. If you know or have reasonable cause to believe the occupier is disqualified, you commit a criminal offence.
Further reading for landlords
LettingsLedger is a compliance evidence governance platform. It is not a legal services provider and does not provide legal advice. Content is derived from UK primary legislation at legislation.gov.uk and official GOV.UK sources. Reflects the position as at June 2026. A GovProtocol product by Pertheo Limited.