Ensuring that every tenant has the legal right to reside in the UK is a key responsibility for Bradford landlords. This guide provides a clear and comprehensive breakdown of How Do You Check a Tenant’s Right to Rent in Bradford, how the process works, and which tenant identity documents are required during UK immigration checks.
You’ll also learn about the different methods available, from manual document checks to digital identity verification (IDVT), and how to comply with rental regulations in England without risking landlord penalties.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to carry out rental property compliance checks confidently, fairly, and in line with property letting laws in the UK.
Need professional help with Right to Rent compliance?
What Does It Mean to Check a Tenant’s Right to Rent in Bradford?
The Right to Rent scheme requires landlords in Bradford to verify a potential tenant’s immigration status before finalizing a tenancy. This system was introduced under Section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014, designed to prevent illegal residency by ensuring that only individuals with a legal right to reside can rent property in the UK.
To check a tenant’s right to rent, landlords must:
- Confirm the tenant’s identity
- Assess their tenancy eligibility
- Examine the right to rent documents
- Keep copies of all checked documents
- Record the date the checks were completed
These checks apply only to adults aged 18 or over. Minors are excluded from the requirement.
Are Bradford Landlords Required by Law to Check a Tenant’s Right to Rent?
Yes. All Bradford landlords, including those letting private properties, HMOs, or subletting, are legally required to verify tenants’ immigration status before a tenancy begins.
If a tenant cannot provide adequate documentation, they may be disqualified from the tenancy. Failure to conduct proper tenant screening can result in serious consequences, including:
- Civil fines
- Criminal liability
- Potential imprisonment for repeated or severe breaches
These landlord legal responsibilities are enforced to maintain compliance with the Home Office verification process and national rental legislation.
How to Conduct Right to Rent Checks for Tenants in Bradford
Since 2023, landlords have been able to choose from three approved methods when carrying out Right to Rent checks.
1. Manual Right to Rent Check
This traditional approach involves meeting the tenant face-to-face to review their tenant identity documents. Landlords must:
- Inspect the original documents
- Check for document authenticity
- Confirm that the photos and details match the individual
- Make clear, legible copies
- Store the copies securely for at least 1 year after tenancy ends
Manual checks remain a reliable method for ensuring accurate document verification.
2. Digital Identity Verification (IDVT)
Instead of an in-person meeting, landlords may use a government-approved Identity Service Provider (IDSP). These services use identity document verification technology to confirm the legitimacy of documents such as:
- British passports
- Irish passports
- Digital identity files
An IDSP-certified provider can often identify fraudulent documents more effectively than manual checks, while offering fast and convenient processing.
3. Home Office Checking Service
Some tenants, especially recent arrivals or non-British/Irish citizens, can be verified through the Home Office online service. Tenants who have any of the following can provide landlords with a share code:
- A Biometric Residence Permit
- A Biometric Residence Card
- A UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
This share code allows landlords to check the tenant’s Right to Rent through the Home Office online service. For Right to Rent checks, this code must start with the letter “R”.
Landlords can then access the tenant’s immigration details, digital status, and identity confirmation securely online.
For precise and legally sound Right to Rent guidance, consult CooperHall Solicitors.
Accepted Documents Needed to Verify a Tenant’s Right to Rent in Bradford
Tenants may need to present specific acceptable ID documents depending on their nationality and immigration status.
For British or Irish Citizens
Acceptable documents include:
- A current or expired British passport
- A current or expired Irish passport or passport card
- A certificate of British citizenship or naturalisation
These satisfy British and Irish passport checks required under UK law.
For Non-British or Non-Irish Citizens
Acceptable forms include:
- A share code for Right to Rent
- A Biometric Residence Permit
- A Biometric Residence Card
- A UKVI account verification
If tenants do not possess these, they may supply two alternative documents together, such as:
- A UK or Irish birth certificate
- A driving licence
- An employer letter
This ensures accurate tenant immigration status and identity validation in line with tenancy documentation requirements.
Right to Rent Compliance in Bradford and How to Prevent Discrimination
Landlords must follow the Equality Act 2010 protections, ensuring that checks are performed fairly and consistently. This means avoiding:
- Targeting specific nationalities
- Rejecting tenants based on ethnicity or religion
- Making assumptions about immigration status
Right to Rent discrimination rules require landlords to apply the same process to all applicants, regardless of background.
The safest approach is to follow Home Office checking service guidelines carefully and maintain consistent procedures for every tenant.
Why Choose Cooper Hall for Right to Rent Checks in Bradford?
Cooper Hall Solicitors provides landlords with professional support to ensure full rental compliance in Bradford. By using our services, landlords can:
- Verify tenant identity accurately
- Avoid landlord penalties for non-compliance
- Access guidance on manual document checks, digital identity check options, and Home Office verification procedures
- Simplify the entire Right to Rent check process
- Ensure all checks follow non-discriminatory tenant check standards
With Cooper Hall Solicitors, Bradford landlords can stay fully aligned with property letting laws in the UK, protect their rental investments, and manage tenant onboarding with confidence.
