Mr.UK LivingRelocating to the UK for Work: Proving Your Status When You Rent
Professionals moving to the UK are often surprised by how much of the process is now digital. The most common point of friction is proving the right to rent a home. Here is how it works in England.
1. Every adult tenant is checked
Before a new tenancy starts, landlords in England must check that every tenant aged 18 or over can legally rent, whether or not they are named on the agreement. The check must apply to all new tenants, regardless of nationality. [1]
If your permission to stay is time-limited, the check has to be done in the 28 days before the tenancy starts, so timing matters when you are still arranging your move. [1]
2. Use your eVisa share code
Most new arrivals now hold an eVisa rather than a physical document. You can generate a share code from your UKVI account and give it to the landlord or agent, who uses it to view your status online. [2]
Set up and test your UKVI account before you start viewing properties, so that an offer is not held up at the last step.
3. Rules are changing
GOV.UK notes that the rules on private renting in England change on 1 May 2026. If you are signing or renewing a tenancy around that date, check the current guidance before you commit. [1]
Our view
The checks themselves are quick. Delays almost always come from an inactive UKVI account, an expired share code or a passport that was not linked to the eVisa. A short checklist before the first viewing removes most of that risk.
Sources
- [1] GOV.UK, Checking your tenant’s right to rent: gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
- [2] GOV.UK, eVisas: access and use your online immigration status: gov.uk/evisa