Right to Rent Checks: What Landlords Need to Know From 1 October 2026

The Right to Rent process in England is continuing to move towards a more digital approach. From 1 October 2026, updated Home Office guidance will introduce strengthened requirements around digital identity verification and the use of approved Digital Verification Service Providers (DVSPs).

For landlords and letting agents, understanding these changes is important to ensure Right to Rent checks continue to be carried out correctly and in accordance with the latest requirements.

The Move Towards Digital Right to Rent Checks

Digital identity verification has become an increasingly important part of the way people prove their identity and immigration status.

The updated Right to Rent framework reflects this wider move towards digital services, while continuing to provide landlords with different options for completing the required checks.

For some tenants, particularly those with digital immigration status, the Home Office online checking service will remain the appropriate route. In other circumstances, landlords may be able to use a registered Right to Rent Digital Verification Service Provider.

The aim is to make the process more secure and efficient while maintaining the checks required to confirm a tenant's eligibility to rent in England.

What Is a Digital Right to Rent Check?

A digital Right to Rent check allows a landlord or letting agent to verify a prospective tenant's identity and eligibility to rent using approved digital technology.

A Digital Verification Service Provider can verify relevant identity documents and, where appropriate, use facial recognition technology to help confirm that the person presenting themselves is the individual to whom the document relates.

Digital verification can be particularly useful where applications and tenancy processes are being handled remotely, helping to reduce administration and avoid unnecessary face-to-face appointments.

New Requirements for Digital Verification Providers

One of the key changes taking effect from 1 October 2026 concerns the providers that can be used to carry out digital Right to Rent checks.

Where a landlord chooses to use a Digital Verification Service Provider for a Right to Rent check, the provider must be registered with the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) and have confirmation on the register that it is able to provide Right to Rent checks.

This means landlords and letting agents should not assume that any online identity-checking service can be used for Right to Rent purposes.

Before relying on a digital verification result, it is important to ensure that the provider is registered and authorised to provide the relevant Right to Rent service.

Is Digital Verification Mandatory?

No.

Digital verification is not compulsory. Landlords and letting agents can continue to use the appropriate Right to Rent checking method depending on the circumstances of the tenant.

There are three prescribed routes:

1. Manual Right to Rent Check

Where permitted, landlords can check the tenant's original acceptable documents and verify that they belong to the person presenting them.

2. Home Office Online Right to Rent Check

Where applicable, landlords can use the Home Office online service, usually using a tenant's share code. This is particularly relevant for individuals with an eVisa or other digital immigration status.

3. Right to Rent Digital Verification Service Provider

Where permitted, landlords can use a registered RtR DVSP to carry out the digital verification process.

The appropriate method will depend on the tenant's circumstances and the documents or immigration status they hold.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The introduction of clearer requirements for digital verification providers gives landlords greater choice while providing additional safeguards around the services being used.

Digital checks can offer several practical benefits:

Faster applications
Digital verification can help reduce delays during the tenant application and onboarding process.

Greater convenience
Checks can be completed remotely, supporting modern lettings processes such as virtual viewings and digital tenancy administration.

Improved security
Approved digital verification services can use technology to verify identity documents and, where applicable, compare facial images.

Reduced administration
Digital processes can help streamline paperwork and record-keeping when managing tenancy applications.

Landlords Remain Responsible for Compliance

Although technology can make Right to Rent checks more efficient, the responsibility for carrying out the checks correctly remains with the landlord or letting agent.

Before allowing an adult to occupy a property as their only or main home, the appropriate Right to Rent check must be completed.

Landlords should ensure that:

• The tenant's identity has been correctly verified.

• The person presenting themselves for the tenancy is the individual to whom the check relates.

• The appropriate checking method has been used.

• Evidence of the check is securely retained for the required period.

• Follow-up checks are completed where the tenant has a time-limited right to rent.

The Home Office guidance confirms that landlords must retain evidence of the check for the duration of the tenancy and for one year after the tenancy ends, after which the records should be securely destroyed.

Avoiding Discrimination During Right to Rent Checks

It is also important that landlords and letting agents apply Right to Rent procedures consistently.

Tenants should not be treated less favourably because of the type of Right to Rent check they need to complete. For example, a British or Irish citizen may choose to provide physical documents rather than use a digital verification service.

Similarly, landlords should not insist on digital evidence where a tenant is unable to use the Home Office online service and is able to demonstrate their right to rent through another permitted method.

What Should Landlords Do Now?

With the updated requirements coming into force on 1 October 2026, landlords and letting agents should consider:

• Reviewing their existing Right to Rent procedures.

• Checking that any digital verification provider they use is registered and authorised for Right to Rent checks.

• Ensuring staff understand the three available checking routes.

• Reviewing record-keeping procedures.

• Making sure follow-up checks are diarised where required.

• Keeping up to date with the latest Home Office guidance.

Looking Ahead

The changes coming into effect from 1 October 2026 represent another step in the continued digitalisation of the private rented sector.

While digital verification provides a convenient option for landlords and tenants, it does not replace the need for careful compliance. The correct checking method must be used, the tenant's identity must be verified, and appropriate records must be retained.

For landlords and letting agents, being familiar with the updated requirements now will help ensure that Right to Rent checks continue to be completed accurately and efficiently.

Need help with your property letting requirements?
At Living Property, we can assist landlords with the lettings process, including tenant referencing, Right to Rent checks and the administration involved in setting up a new tenancy.

For further information about our services, please contact Living Property on 01502 558538 or visit www.livingproperty.co.