Check a Share Code UK - Right to Rent, Right to Work and Immigration Status Guide 2026

Understand how to check a UK share code, verify immigration status, confirm right to rent or work, and complete the necessary checks for landlords, letting agents and employers.

A UK share code is a digital reference that allows an individual to share certain immigration status information with an authorised person or organisation.

Share codes are commonly used by landlords, letting agents and employers to verify whether someone has the legal right to rent residential property or work in the United Kingdom.

For tenants, international students, overseas professionals and property landlords, understanding how to generate and check a share code is important for completing legal checks accurately.

The UK Home Office provides online services that allow eligible individuals to demonstrate their immigration status without relying solely on physical immigration documents.

However, a share code must be used through the correct verification service. A right-to-work share code is not interchangeable with a right-to-rent share code.

Fraser Bond, a UK property agency and real estate consultancy, supports landlords, tenants, buyers and property investors with residential lettings and property management across London and the wider UK.

This guide explains what a share code means, how to check one, how long it remains valid and what landlords and tenants should know about UK immigration status verification.

What Is a Share Code?

A share code is a nine-character reference generated through a UK government online service that allows another person to access specified immigration status information.

The code is used together with the individual's date of birth.

Depending on the service, it may allow an authorised checker to confirm:

• Whether an individual has the right to work in the UK.

• Whether an individual has the right to rent residential accommodation in England.

• Certain details of an individual's immigration status.

The share code does not replace the official online verification process.

Landlords and employers must use the relevant government checking service and follow the applicable requirements.

What Are the Different Types of Share Codes?

There are different share code purposes, and they are not interchangeable.

The code generated must match the purpose of the check.

For example, a landlord should not rely on a right-to-work share code to establish a tenant's right to rent.

How to Check a Share Code Online

The process depends on whether the check is for renting, employment or another immigration-related purpose.

Step 1 - Identify the Type of Share Code

Share codes begin with a letter identifying their purpose.

For a residential letting in England, the landlord or letting agent must use a right-to-rent share code beginning with R.

Step 2 - Obtain the Share Code

Ask the individual to generate a share code using their UKVI account or the relevant government service.

The individual should select the correct reason for sharing their immigration status.

Step 3 - Obtain the Date of Birth

The checking service requires both the share code and the individual's date of birth.

A share code alone is insufficient.

Step 4 - Use the Correct Government Checking Service

The checker must enter the details into the relevant official Home Office service.

For a landlord, this is the right-to-rent checking service.

For an employer, this is the right-to-work checking service.

Step 5 - Review the Verification Result

Check that the person's identity matches the individual presenting themselves.

Review the permission shown, including any relevant restrictions or expiry dates.

Step 6 - Keep the Required Records

Where the check is for right to rent, the landlord or letting agent should save the relevant profile page and record the date of the check.

The evidence must be retained securely in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.

How to Check a Right to Rent Share Code

Right-to-rent checks are particularly important for private landlords and letting agents operating in England.

A right-to-rent share code allows the landlord to confirm whether a prospective occupier has permission to rent residential accommodation.

The process involves obtaining the tenant's R-prefixed code and date of birth, accessing the Home Office right-to-rent service and checking the returned immigration permission.

The landlord must also establish that the online photograph corresponds to the person being checked.

The result should be retained as evidence.

Who Needs a Right to Rent Check?

Landlords and letting agents must carry out the prescribed right-to-rent checks on relevant adult occupiers before granting residential accommodation in England, unless an exemption applies.

Checks must be carried out consistently and without unlawful discrimination.

The rules apply regardless of whether a prospective tenant appears to be British or has lived in the UK for many years.

British and Irish citizens normally demonstrate their eligibility through accepted identity documents or an approved identity verification service rather than a Home Office share code.

Does Right to Rent Apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

No.

The statutory right-to-rent checking scheme applies to residential accommodation in England.

It does not apply in the same way to residential lettings in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Landlords operating across multiple UK jurisdictions should therefore distinguish between the relevant housing and immigration compliance requirements.

How to Generate a Share Code for Renting

Eligible tenants can generate a right-to-rent share code through the government online service.

They generally need access to their UKVI account and the identity information associated with their immigration status.

This may include a passport, national identity card or other accepted identification details.

After signing in, the tenant selects the option to prove their right to rent in England.

The service then generates a code that can be shared with the landlord or letting agent.

How Long Does a Share Code Last?

A UK immigration share code is normally valid for 90 days.

During this period, the code can generally be used more than once.

If it expires, the individual can generate another code.

The 90-day validity of the code is not the same as the duration of the person's immigration permission.

For example, a tenant may have immigration permission extending beyond the share code's expiry date.

Landlords should rely on the actual verification result when determining whether follow-up checks are required.

Can You Check a Share Code More Than Once?

Yes.

A valid share code can generally be used multiple times during its 90-day validity period.

This may be useful when a prospective tenant is applying for more than one rental property or an applicant is communicating with several employers.

However, a code generated for one purpose cannot be used for another.

How to Check a Right to Work Share Code

Employers use the right-to-work checking service to establish whether an individual is legally permitted to undertake employment in the UK.

The employer obtains the applicant's W-prefixed share code and date of birth.

The official checking service then displays relevant employment permissions and restrictions.

Employers should review any conditions affecting the type or duration of work permitted.

Right-to-work checks and right-to-rent checks are separate legal obligations.

Share Codes and UKVI Accounts

A UK Visas and Immigration account allows eligible individuals to access their digital immigration status.

This digital status is commonly called an eVisa.

Individuals may use the account to generate share codes for authorised verification purposes.

Maintaining accurate passport and contact information can help avoid difficulties when accessing the account.

A share code should be generated using the correct service for the intended check.

Share Codes for Student Visa Holders

International students may need to demonstrate their right to rent when applying for accommodation in England.

Eligible Student visa holders can use their digital immigration status to generate a right-to-rent share code.

The landlord must check the resulting permission using the official service.

Students should not assume that a right-to-work code is sufficient for a rental application.

Share Codes for Skilled Worker Visa Holders

Individuals holding Skilled Worker visas may need to demonstrate their immigration status to employers and landlords.

They should generate the appropriate code for each purpose.

A right-to-work code confirms employment-related permissions, while a right-to-rent code enables the relevant residential letting check.

This distinction is particularly important for overseas professionals relocating to London.

Share Codes for Graduate Visa Holders

Graduate visa holders may also be able to demonstrate their right to rent using a share code.

The relevant permission depends on the individual's immigration status.

Where permission is time-limited, the landlord may need to conduct a follow-up check in accordance with the applicable rules.

Share Codes for Settled and Pre-Settled Status

Individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may use digital immigration status services to demonstrate relevant rights.

The checking result should be reviewed carefully to identify the permission held.

Landlords should not make assumptions based solely on nationality or the length of time someone has lived in the UK.

Can British Citizens Get a Share Code?

British and Irish citizens generally cannot generate a right-to-rent or right-to-work share code through the usual Home Office services.

Instead, they can demonstrate eligibility using accepted identity documents or relevant digital identity verification arrangements.

A landlord should not reject an eligible applicant simply because they cannot produce a share code.

What Happens If a Share Code Does Not Work?

A share code may fail because it has expired, was entered incorrectly or was generated for the wrong purpose.

The date of birth may also have been entered incorrectly.

In some cases, the individual's digital immigration status may not be accessible through the expected service.

The checker should confirm the details and ask the individual to generate a new code where appropriate.

If a tenant cannot demonstrate their right to rent through the standard online or document-based processes, the landlord may need to use the Home Office Landlord Checking Service.

What Is the Landlord Checking Service?

The Home Office Landlord Checking Service allows landlords to request verification in certain circumstances where a prospective tenant cannot provide the usual evidence of their right to rent.

This may arise where an immigration application or appeal remains outstanding.

Where the Home Office issues a qualifying positive response, it can provide the landlord with the relevant statutory protection for the period specified by the rules.

Landlords should not assume that the absence of a share code automatically means someone is prohibited from renting.

What Happens If a Landlord Does Not Check a Share Code?

Failing to carry out the prescribed right-to-rent checks can expose landlords and responsible letting agents to legal consequences.

These may include substantial civil penalties where accommodation is provided to a person who is disqualified from renting under the relevant legislation.

In serious circumstances, criminal penalties may also apply.

Proper verification and record-keeping are therefore essential.

How Long Must Landlords Keep Right to Rent Records?

Landlords should generally retain evidence of right-to-rent checks for the duration of the tenancy and for at least one year after it ends.

Records should be stored securely and handled in accordance with data protection law.

For an online check, the landlord should retain the relevant profile page and the date on which the verification was completed.

Can a Landlord Check a Share Code Before a Tenancy Starts?

Yes.

The prescribed right-to-rent check must be completed before the relevant occupier begins occupying the property.

Where a tenant has time-limited permission, additional checks may be required later.

Landlords and letting agents should establish a consistent process for identifying when follow-up checks are necessary.

Check a Share Code When Renting in London

London has a substantial international rental market, including overseas professionals, students and relocating families.

Right-to-rent verification is therefore an important part of the letting process.

Landlords should check immigration permission through the prescribed procedures without discriminating against applicants.

Tenants should prepare the appropriate documentation early to avoid unnecessary delays in securing accommodation.

Fraser Bond supports residential landlords and tenants across London with lettings, property management and tenancy administration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Checking a Share Code

How do I check a share code in the UK?

Use the appropriate official government checking service, enter the individual's share code and date of birth, and review the result.

What is a share code used for?

A share code allows an authorised person to view specified immigration status information, including right-to-rent or right-to-work permissions.

How long is a share code valid?

A share code is normally valid for 90 days.

Can I use a right-to-work share code for renting?

No. Right-to-rent checks require a code generated for that specific purpose.

What does an R share code mean?

It identifies a share code generated to prove the right to rent residential accommodation in England.

What does a W share code mean?

It identifies a share code generated to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Can landlords check share codes online?

Yes. Landlords and letting agents can use the official Home Office right-to-rent checking service.

Do British citizens need a share code to rent?

No. British and Irish citizens normally demonstrate eligibility through accepted identity documents or an approved identity verification process.

Can I generate a new share code?

Yes. Eligible individuals can generate a new code when necessary.

What happens if my share code expires?

You can generate another code. The code's expiry does not automatically mean your immigration permission has expired.

Do landlords need to keep share code records?

Yes. Landlords must retain the prescribed evidence of right-to-rent checks for the required period.

Does right to rent apply throughout the UK?

No. The statutory right-to-rent scheme applies to England.

Check a Share Code UK - Understanding Immigration Verification and Rental Compliance

Checking a share code is an important part of verifying immigration-related permissions in the United Kingdom.

For landlords and letting agents in England, the right-to-rent process helps establish whether a prospective occupier is legally eligible to rent residential accommodation.

Employers must use a separate right-to-work verification process.

The correct code, accurate date of birth, official checking service and appropriate record-keeping are all essential.

For tenants, generating the correct share code in advance can help make rental applications more straightforward.

Landlords should also remain aware of follow-up checking requirements and alternative verification procedures where an individual cannot use the standard online service.

This article provides general information as of October 2026 and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Landlords and employers should follow the applicable Home Office guidance.