Guide · England
Right to Rent checks for students
Most international students have time-limited permission and an eVisa, so you check them online with a share code. Do the check no earlier than 28 days before the tenancy starts (or before they move in), then do a follow-up check just before the later of their permission end date or 12 months after the check.
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- Maruf
- Reviewed
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- rtr.tl.v2
- First published
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England only. Scotland, Wales and NI aren't covered.
Most students have eVisas
Most overseas students now hold an eVisa, so their right to rent is checked online using a share code.
If a student can’t set up their UKVI account before the tenancy starts, the Landlords’ guide allows them to use a short validity vignette in their passport, valid on the date of the check. This gives a 12-month statutory excuse.
Agreeing a tenancy before they arrive
You can agree a tenancy in principle before the student arrives in the UK. Do the check before they occupy the property, for example on move-in day.
For a time-limited right to rent, the check must be done no earlier than 28 days before the tenancy agreement is entered into.
Shared houses
Check each adult before they move in. If housemates move in on different dates, check each one before their own move-in date.
Follow-up checks
Student permission is time-limited, so a follow-up check is due just before the later of:
- the date their permission ends; or
- 12 months after your check.
Example: checked on 15 September 2026, permission ends 31 January 2028. The follow-up is due just before 31 January 2028, because that’s later than 15 September 2027.
Work out the date or create a record.
Halls of residence
Student accommodation such as halls of residence is generally excluded from the scheme. Check the conditions in the Code of Practice before relying on this.
Common questions
Can I check a student before they arrive in the UK?
You can agree the tenancy in principle, but do the check before they move in. For a time-limited right to rent, the check must be no earlier than 28 days before the tenancy agreement is entered into.
Do I need to check every student in a shared house?
Yes. Check each adult before they move in, even if they move in on different dates.
Not legal advice. Right to Rent Log is independent and not affiliated with GOV.UK or the Home Office. How we maintain this guide.