Right to Rent Changes from 1st October 2026: What Landlords Need to Know

From 1st October 2026, landlords in England who use digital identity verification for Right to Rent must use a registered Right to Rent Digital Verification Service Provider (RtR DVSP). The legal duty to check every adult occupier’s right to rent stays the same, but the digital pathway is being formalised as part of the UK’s move toward a fully digital immigration system.

If you’re already juggling the Renters’ Rights Act, licensing, safety, and other compliance, this is a focused update to build into your pre‑tenancy process.

Quick recap: What is Right to Rent?

• Every landlord in England must check each adult occupier’s right to rent before granting a tenancy.

• The requirement stems from the Immigration Act 2014 and remains mandatory at tenant onboarding.

• Getting it wrong risks significant civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal sanctions.

• Right to Rent checks belong in your standard pre‑tenancy procedure and must be completed before occupation begins.

  
  

What’s changing on 1st October 2026?

Only the digital identity route is changing.

Current routes to check Right to Rent:

1. Manual document checks using original documents

2. Home Office online checks using a tenant’s share code

3. Digital identity verification via a Right to Rent Digital Verification Service Provider (RtR DVSP)

From 1st October 2026:

• If you choose the digital route, you must use a registered RtR DVSP.

• Manual checks and Home Office online checks continue as they are.

Bottom line: Most small landlords who rely on manual checks or the Home Office online service won’t need to change their day‑to‑day process.

Why this change? The rise of eVisas

• More tenants now hold eVisas (electronic immigration records).

• Tenants with eVisas use the Home Office online Right to Rent service.

• Formalising the DVSP route aims to improve consistency and security when identities are verified electronically.

  
  

Using a DVSP doesn’t remove your responsibilities

Even with a registered DVSP, landlords must still:

• Retain required records in line with guidance and timescales.

• Keep evidence of the checks performed (what was checked, when, by whom).

• Be satisfied the person renting is the same person whose identity was verified (face‑matching where applicable).

• Maintain clear, documented compliance procedures in tenancy files.

Think of DVSPs as a compliance tool helpful, but not a substitute for good records and process discipline.

Letting agents: who is liable?

• If a letting agent has accepted responsibility in writing for Right to Rent checks, liability for any civil penalty may rest with the agent.

• Ensure your management/letting agreement explicitly assigns responsibility for Right to Rent (scope, timing, evidence retention).

• Do not assume the agent has taken this on unless it’s written and unambiguous.

  
  

Equality Act: apply checks consistently and fairly

Avoid discrimination by applying the same Right to Rent process to all applicants. Do not make assumptions based on:

• Nationality

• Accent

• Ethnic origin

• Immigration status

• Time in the UK

• The method used to evidence the right to rent

Consistency protects you both legally and reputationally as enforcement activity increases.

Practical checklist for landlords ahead of 1st October 2026

• Decide your default route

  • Manual checks or Home Office online service: you can continue as is.

  • Digital route: ensure your provider is (or will be) a registered RtR DVSP.

• Update your written procedure

  • Add the DVSP registration requirement (if using digital).

  • Include identity‑matching steps and evidence retention timelines.

  • Define when re‑checks are required and who triggers them.

• Refresh templates and record‑keeping

  • Standardise checklists, file naming, and retention periods.

  • Capture date, checker’s name, method used, documents/outputs, and outcome.

• Clarify agent responsibilities

  • Amend agreements to state who performs checks, where records are kept, and how you will evidence compliance on request.

• Train your team

  • Ensure staff know how to run manual/online checks, use the DVSP workflow (if applicable), and apply the Equality Act principles consistently.

• Audit recent lets

  • Spot‑check a sample of files to confirm evidence is complete and legible, identities match, and timelines are met.

    
    

Key takeaways

• The duty to check doesn’t change; only the digital pathway is being tightened.

• From 1st October 2026, digital users must use a registered RtR DVSP.

• Manual and Home Office online checks continue unchanged.

• Landlord responsibility endures: keep clear records, verify identity, and document your procedures.

• Use written agreements to allocate liability with agents.

• Apply checks consistently to meet Equality Act obligations.

  
  

How the ELA can help

The Eastern Landlords Association can:

• Review your Right to Rent procedures and file templates

• Advise on choosing and implementing a DVSP (if you opt for digital)

• Provide training on compliant checks and Equality Act consistency

• Audit recent tenancies to identify and close gaps before enforcement action

If you’re unsure which route fits your circumstances, or you want a light‑touch compliance review before October, our team can guide you.