Right To Rent digital checks must use registered providers from October 2026

Right To Rent digital checks must use registered providers from October 2026

From 1 October 2026, all Right To Rent digital identity checks in England must be conducted through registered Digital Verification Service Providers. Landlords and agents face fines if they use unregistered services.

New rules for the Right To Rent (RTR) process came into effect on 1 October 2026, requiring landlords and letting agents to carry out all digital immigration status checks using government-registered Digital Verification Service Providers (DVSPs). This change means that any checks performed through non-registered providers will no longer provide landlords or agents with the statutory defence against civil penalties for renting to individuals without the right to rent in England.

The updated process involves the use of Identity Verification Technology (IDVT), a government-approved method that verifies tenants’ identities using biometric data, passport chip information, and checks against police databases. This is designed to strengthen the integrity of the RTR system and reduce tenancy fraud.

Government introduces stricter digital verification to combat tenancy fraud

The government’s move to mandate registered digital providers follows concerns about rising tenancy fraud in the private rented sector. According to analysis by Goodlord, suspected tenancy fraud increased by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year, exposing the sector to potential financial losses of up to £4.1 billion annually.

Tenancy fraud can involve individuals using false or stolen identities to secure rental properties, undermining the rights of genuine tenants and landlords alike. By enforcing the use of registered DVSPs, the government aims to ensure more reliable identity verification and reduce the incidence of fraudulent tenancies.

The Home Office has also published an updated code of practice for Right To Rent checks, outlining the responsibilities of landlords and agents in complying with the new requirements. Failure to conduct proper RTR checks can result in fines of up to £20,000 per occupier for landlords or agents who rent to individuals without the right to rent.

Implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords and letting agents, the new requirement means reviewing and potentially changing the way they conduct Right To Rent checks. Only digital checks carried out through registered DVSPs will provide the necessary statutory protection. This may require subscribing to approved digital platforms or services that meet government standards.

Landlords should also be aware that physical document checks remain an option, but digital checks are increasingly preferred for their efficiency and security. The updated code of practice offers guidance on how to comply with the new rules and avoid penalties.

Letting agents managing multiple properties must ensure all their staff are trained on the new procedures and that their systems are updated to use only registered providers. Landlords conducting checks themselves should verify that any digital service they use is on the government’s approved list.

Context of evolving rental regulation and compliance

The RTR changes come amid broader reforms in the private rented sector, including the Renters’ Rights Act and ongoing efforts to improve tenancy standards and reduce fraud. The government’s focus on digital verification reflects a wider trend towards utilising technology to enhance compliance and protect landlords and tenants.

However, the increased reliance on digital identity verification raises questions about data privacy, accessibility for tenants without digital documents, and the cost implications for landlords and agents. The sector will need to monitor how these changes affect the rental process and tenant experience.

What landlords should consider now

Landlords should immediately check whether their current Right To Rent checking service is registered with the government as a Digital Verification Service Provider. If not, switching to a registered provider is essential to maintain statutory protection.

It is also advisable to review the updated Home Office guidance on RTR checks to ensure full compliance with the new code of practice. Keeping thorough records of all checks conducted is critical in case of any future disputes or inspections.

Landlords and agents should budget for any additional costs associated with using registered digital services and consider how to communicate these changes to prospective tenants to avoid delays in the referencing process.

Supporting landlords with compliance through TLA membership

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to up-to-date compliance resources and practical information on Right To Rent obligations. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can review the latest regulatory updates, access guidance on conducting RTR checks correctly, and maintain records of compliance activities.

TLA is developing ORBIT, a new property management and compliance platform currently in BETA testing. ORBIT aims to help landlords organise their portfolios, manage rental documents, and keep evidence of Right To Rent checks and other compliance actions together in one place. Members interested in ORBIT can learn more about BETA access and how it may support their compliance needs.

Exploring TLA membership and compliance support can help landlords prepare for ongoing regulatory changes and reduce the risk of penalties related to Right To Rent and other legal requirements.

Looking ahead, landlords should watch for further government updates on tenancy fraud prevention and digital verification technology to ensure their practices remain compliant and effective.

Sources: Landlord Today