Landlord Checking Service (LCS)
Use the Landlord Checking Service when you can’t complete a standard Right to Rent check because the tenant has an ongoing Home Office matter.
When to use the LCS
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Outstanding application: the tenant has a pending application with the Home Office for permission to stay in the UK.
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Appeal or administrative review: the tenant has an appeal or review in progress.
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Windrush Scheme: the tenant is living in the UK under the Windrush Scheme but doesn’t have documents yet.
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Documents held by the Home Office: the tenant can’t show acceptable documents because the Home Office currently holds them.
What this page is not: immigration advice, a status checker, or a guarantee of outcome.
What happens next (in simple terms)
- You request a Right to Rent notice from the Home Office using the official Landlord Checking Service.
- The Home Office replies with a notice confirming whether you have a Right to Rent excuse, and for how long.
- If you receive a Positive Right to Rent Notice, it gives you a statutory excuse for the period stated on the notice (often up to 12 months).
- Record and diarise any follow-up date shown on the notice, so you know when another check is due.
What to record for your own audit note
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Why LCS was required: outstanding application, appeal/review, Windrush, or documents held.
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Date you submitted the request: keep the confirmation number / screenshot or PDF.
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The Home Office response: Positive / Negative notice, and the validity period if positive.
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Any follow-up date: diarise the date shown on the notice (or the date your next check is required).