Your immigration status is online. So what do you show a landlord when you want to rent? If you hold an eVisa, preparing your evidence before you find a property can save an awkward delay when the letting agent asks for it.
First, check where you are renting
The right to rent scheme applies in England. You do not have to prove your right to rent under this scheme in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. The evidence you can use in England depends on your nationality and immigration status. Official guidance.
Get the right share code
Use GOV.UK’s ‘Prove your right to rent in England’ service and follow the sign-in instructions for your UKVI account. Have your identity document details and date of birth ready. Select the option for renting, rather than employment or another purpose. Official guidance.
Give the landlord or letting agent your right to rent share code and date of birth. Keep your UKVI password and sign-in security codes private. You are sharing evidence of your status, not handing over your account. Official guidance.
A screenshot is not the landlord’s check
The landlord must use the Home Office’s own checking service. Your screenshot alone is insufficient. They must match the online photograph to you, keep evidence of their check and complete any follow-up by the date the service specifies. Official guidance.
What if your visa application is pending?
A pending application does not automatically settle your right to rent. Where an application was made before existing permission expired, section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 may continue that permission, subject to its conditions. Try the online check first. If it cannot confirm your right to rent, the landlord should use the Landlord Checking Service where applicable. A positive notice gives the landlord protection against a civil penalty for 12 months. Official guidance.
What if your eVisa is wrong?
Report incorrect status or personal details through GOV.UK’s eVisa error service. You can also report being unable to generate a share code despite being able to view your eVisa. Account recovery and updating changed personal details use separate services, so follow the route that matches your problem. Keep a record of what you reported and tell the agent promptly. Official guidance.
No physical visa does not mean no right to rent
If your only status evidence is an eVisa, the online check is the prescribed route. Landlords should not treat you less favourably because your right to rent is time limited or evidenced digitally. Home Office guidance effective from 1 October 2026 confirms the checking requirements. Official guidance.
Before your next viewing, check that you can access your UKVI account and generate the correct share code. If your status or a pending application is blocking a tenancy, seek advice on your circumstances before assuming you cannot rent.
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Sajjad Hussain, Solicitor | Farani Taylor Solicitors
Primary sources
UK solicitor at Farani Taylor Solicitors practising immigration, property conveyancing and corporate law. Advice available in English, Urdu and Punjabi.