Guide · England
Right to Rent and the EU Settlement Scheme
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens with settled or pre-settled status prove their right to rent digitally, so you check them online with a share code. People with a valid pending EU Settlement Scheme application can prove it digitally with a Certificate of Application. Treat them the same as everyone else.
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England only. Scotland, Wales and NI aren't covered.
Settled and pre-settled status
People with status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) prove their right to rent digitally. They create a share code on GOV.UK and you check it online. See share code checks.
The Landlords’ guide says: “For holders of EUSS pre-settled or settled status, a check is required only before tenancy begins; no repeat checks are required.” That applies to pre-settled status too, even though it’s time-limited.
Certificate of Application
Someone who has made a valid EUSS application that hasn’t been decided yet can have a Certificate of Application. It lets them prove their right to rent digitally. The guide says there’s no need to contact the Landlord Checking Service in this case.
Pending applications
EEA citizens with an outstanding valid EUSS application have their rights temporarily protected. They must prove their right to rent in the prescribed way, and must not be treated less favourably than other prospective tenants.
Crown Dependencies
If the tenant holds the equivalent status from a Crown Dependency (Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man), keep a copy of their status letter or email and the response from the Landlord Checking Service.
Check everyone the same way
Apply the same process to every prospective adult tenant. Don’t ask EU citizens for extra proof you wouldn’t ask of others.
Common questions
Do I need a follow-up check for pre-settled status?
No. The Home Office guide says that for pre-settled or settled status a check is required only before the tenancy begins; no repeat checks are required.
Can I accept a Certificate of Application?
Yes. A Certificate of Application lets the person prove their right to rent digitally, and the guide says there's no need to contact the Landlord Checking Service.
Not legal advice. Right to Rent Log is independent and not affiliated with GOV.UK or the Home Office. How we maintain this guide.