Right to Rent Share Codes Explained: What Foreign Nationals Need to Rent in England

As a landlord, one of your most important legal responsibilities is ensuring that every adult occupant has the legal right to rent in England.

With the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act and increased focus on compliance, understanding Right to Rent checks has never been more important.

At MyEstate, one of the most common questions we receive is:

"What share code do I need from a foreign national, and why does it matter?"

What Is a Right to Rent Share Code?

A Right to Rent share code is a unique code generated by an individual through the Home Office online service.

The share code allows landlords and letting agents to verify a person's immigration status digitally and confirm whether they have the legal right to rent a property in England.

The code is usually valid for 90 days and must be checked before a tenancy begins.

Who Needs a Share Code?

A share code is generally required from:

• Visa holders
• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status
• Individuals with digital immigration status
• Holders of biometric residence permits or biometric residence cards
• Individuals with permission to live and work in the UK under a visa scheme

British and Irish citizens will normally provide a valid passport and do not require a share code.

What Information Does a Landlord Need?

To complete a Right to Rent check, landlords should obtain:

✅ A valid Right to Rent share code

✅ The tenant's date of birth

✅ Identification documents

✅ Supporting tenancy documentation

Using the share code and date of birth, landlords can verify the tenant's status directly through the Home Office system.

Why Is This Important?

Failure to carry out the correct Right to Rent checks can result in:

• Significant financial penalties
• Civil sanctions
• Compliance issues
• Potential difficulties if possession action becomes necessary in the future

As the private rented sector becomes increasingly regulated, good record keeping is essential.

Documents Every Landlord Should Keep

We recommend retaining copies of:

• Right to Rent verification results
• Passport or identification documents
• Tenancy agreements
• Deposit protection certificates
• EPC
• Gas Safety Certificate
• EICR
• How to Rent Guide evidence
• Renters' Rights information acknowledgements

A well-maintained tenancy file can make a significant difference should a dispute arise later.

How MyEstate Can Help

At MyEstate, we assist landlords with:

• Right to Rent checks
• Share code verification
• Tenant referencing
• Compliance audits
• Renters' Rights Act preparation
• Ongoing property management

Our goal is to ensure landlords remain protected, compliant and fully prepared for the changing rental market.

If you are unsure whether your tenancy files meet the latest requirements, speak to a member of the MyEstate team today.

Need Help?

Contact My Estate for a free compliance review and let us help ensure your tenancy files are ready for the future.

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