What Bournemouth and Poole Landlords Need to Know

NEWS UPDATE: 1 OCTOBER 2026

New Right to Rent rules have come into force in England today. The main change affects landlords and letting agents who choose to complete Right to Rent checks electronically.

From 1 October 2026, any digital check must be completed through a registered Right to Rent Digital Verification Service Provider (RtR DVSP) listed on the official government register. Using an unregistered provider will not establish the statutory excuse needed to protect a landlord from civil penalties.

The wider Right to Rent duty remains in place. Landlords must check that every adult occupier aged 18 or over has a legal right to rent before entering into a tenancy agreement.

What Has Changed?

Digital checks must use a registered provider

Landlords and agents can still choose to complete checks digitally. However, where a digital verification service is used, the provider must:

• Be registered on the official government register.
• Be authorised to provide Right to Rent checks.
• Meet the relevant digital identity and verification requirements.

This also applies where facial recognition software is used as part of the identity check. Facial recognition must be operated through a registered RtR DVSP.

The official register is available here:

Find registered digital verification services on GOV.UK

An unregistered commercial provider may still offer identity verification services, but using that service for a Right to Rent check will not provide the required statutory excuse.

Digital checks remain optional

Landlords do not have to use digital verification.

The following checking methods remain available:

• Manual checks of acceptable original documents.
• The Home Office online Right to Rent service using a tenant’s share code, where applicable.
• A digital check completed through a registered RtR DVSP.

Tenants must not be disadvantaged because they cannot, or do not wish to, use a digital checking method. A landlord or letting agent should not insist on a specific form of identification or require a tenant to agree to one particular checking route.

Other Important Updates

Certain British and Irish passports which have expired by up to six months can now be checked digitally through a registered RtR DVSP, subject to the relevant verification requirements.

The updated guidance also makes the position on fair treatment clearer. Right to Rent checks must continue to be applied consistently to all adult occupiers, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or perceived immigration status.

In practical terms:

• Carry out checks for all adult occupiers.
• Do not select tenants for additional checks based on appearance, accent or nationality.
• Do not refuse an applicant because they prefer a manual check.
• Offer the available checking methods fairly.
• Keep a clear record of the check and the date it was completed.

Checks completed correctly under the previous rules remain valid. Landlords do not need to repeat a properly completed check simply because the updated rules came into force today. However, any new checks and required follow-up checks from 1 October 2026 must follow the updated guidance.

What This Means for Bournemouth and Poole Landlords

For landlords in Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas, the immediate requirement is to review the checking process used for each new tenancy.

This is particularly relevant where a landlord:

• Uses online tenant referencing or identity-checking software.
• Relies on facial recognition technology.
• Has recently changed letting agents or referencing providers.
• Manages several properties with different tenancy start dates.
• Has tenants with time-limited rights to rent and scheduled follow-up checks.

Right to Rent checks must be completed before the tenancy begins. For people with a time-limited right to rent, the initial check must generally be completed no earlier than 28 calendar days before the tenancy start date. Follow-up checks must also be diarised and completed at the correct time.

Landlords should retain the evidence securely for the duration of the tenancy and for the required period afterwards. A correct process, complete records and timely follow-up checks are important if a landlord needs to demonstrate a statutory excuse.

The consequences of getting Right to Rent checks wrong can include civil penalties and, in serious circumstances, up to five years in prison. The Home Office guidance should therefore be treated as the controlling source for individual cases.

What to Do Now

ACTION REQUIRED: 1 OCTOBER 2026

Landlords should:

1. Confirm which Right to Rent checking method is being used.
2. Check that any digital provider appears on the official register.
3. Confirm that facial recognition is operated through a registered RtR DVSP.
4. Continue to offer manual and Home Office online checks where applicable.
5. Apply the same checking process to every adult occupier.
6. Review records and follow-up dates for tenants with time-limited status.
7. Update written procedures and instructions given to staff or contractors.

The full government guidance is available in the Right to Rent Code of Practice for landlords and agents.

How NJB Residential Can Help

NJB Residential uses registered providers and organised compliance procedures when completing Right to Rent and sanctions checks. These checks form part of our tenant-find and fully managed services.

For landlords using our service, the change does not require you to manage the updated digital verification requirements yourself. Our trained personnel follow the relevant checking route, maintain the required records and identify follow-up requirements as part of the letting process.

This support is available through our landlord services, including property management Bournemouth, Poole property management and residential lettings Poole.

Contact NJB Residential:

• Telephone:01202 068410
• Email:info@njb-residential.co.uk

General information only: This news post is intended as a practical summary and does not constitute legal advice. Right to Rent requirements can depend on the circumstances of the tenancy and the occupier. Landlords should check the current GOV.UK guidance or obtain independent legal advice where required.