Introduction

For international students planning to rent accommodation in England, understanding the Right to Rent process is an important part of preparing for a tenancy. One of the terms students may encounter during the rental process is a Right to Rent share code. This digital code allows landlords and letting agents to check a prospective tenant’s immigration status and confirm whether they have permission to rent in England.

Understanding how the system works can help international students avoid unnecessary delays when applying for accommodation.

What Is a Right to Rent Share Code?

A Right to Rent share code is a code that eligible individuals can generate online to demonstrate their right to rent in England. A landlord or letting agent can use the code, together with the student’s date of birth, to access relevant information through the government’s online checking service.

The check allows the landlord to establish whether the student has permission to rent and, where that permission is time-limited, how long it lasts.

Do International Students Need a Share Code?

Many international students will need to provide evidence of their right to rent, and students with digital immigration status may use a share code to do so. However, not every international student necessarily needs a share code in every situation.

The Right to Rent Scheme currently applies to residential accommodation in England. It does not apply in the same way to private residential rentals in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Students who are not British or Irish citizens can generally prove their right to rent using a share code or, where permitted, eligible original immigration documents.

International students should consider these points:

1. Check your immigration status: 

Your permission to stay in the UK determines whether you have a right to rent and whether that right is time-limited.

2. Use your UKVI account: 

Students with an eVisa can access their digital immigration status through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and generate a share code for a landlord.

3. Provide your date of birth: 

A landlord generally needs the share code and the student’s date of birth to complete the online check.

4. Keep your information accessible: 

Having access to your UKVI account and relevant documents can make the rental application process easier.

5. Check the code’s validity: 

Share codes are time-limited. The government states that an eVisa share code lasts for 90 days and can be replaced with a new code when necessary.

What If You Do Not Have a Share Code?

Not having a share code does not automatically mean that you cannot rent. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to prove your right to rent using eligible immigration documents or another prescribed process. The government also provides procedures for situations where a person cannot use the online service. 

Students should avoid assuming that an expired physical biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used as before. GOV.UK states that physical BRPs can no longer be used to prove the right to rent; eligible students generally need to use a share code instead. 

Conclusion

It is also important to remember that a Right to Rent check and a rental guarantor requirement are separate matters. For international students, preparing both requirements in advance can make the UK rental process considerably smoother and allow them to focus on settling into university life.

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