Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I do not have a British passport?
Short answer
No. A landlord may only refuse where a Right to Rent check shows you have no right to be in the UK. Turning you down because of your nationality, or because you hold a different type of document, is likely unlawful discrimination — and landlords must check every adult equally.
Right to Rent requires private landlords in England to check that every adult occupier has permission to be in the UK before a tenancy begins. It is a check on status, not on documents or nationality, and it must be applied to everyone — checking only people who look or sound foreign is unlawful discrimination in itself.
Proving your right to rent
- Unlimited right to rent: British citizens, Irish nationals and people with indefinite leave to remain.
- Time-limited right to rent: people with limited leave, including EU pre-settled status. The landlord must carry out a follow-up check when the leave is due to expire; that does not make you a worse tenant.
- No passport? A British passport is not the only proof. A UK birth certificate together with a National Insurance number, or a certificate of registration or naturalisation, is on the government’s list of acceptable documents.
- Digital status: generate a share code through the Home Office online service so the landlord can verify your status directly, with no physical document needed.
If you are refused
A landlord can only lawfully refuse where the check shows you do not have permission to be in the UK. Refusing because of nationality, or because your status is time-limited rather than permanent, may breach the Equality Act 2010 and — since the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — may also be a prohibited discriminatory restriction under that Act.
Keep the evidence: adverts, messages, emails and notes of what was said and when. Raise it in writing with the agent, and complain to the agent’s redress scheme and your council. Citizens Advice and Shelter can advise on a discrimination claim.
If your leave expires during the tenancy
Expiry does not end your tenancy automatically, and it does not entitle a landlord to remove you. They must follow the legal process, and with Section 21 abolished on 1 May 2026 they need a specific possession ground proved in court. Get immigration advice urgently, because regularising your status protects both your position in the UK and your home — and never leave on the strength of a notice without taking advice first.
Related guides
Right to Rent Checks for Tenants
Right to Rent is a government scheme requiring private landlords in England to check that all adult occupiers have the legal right to rent residential property. If you have immigration status that gives you the right to live in the UK, you should be able to satisfy a Right to Rent check. Understanding the rules helps you protect yourself from unlawful discrimination.
6 min read
Tenancy Agreement Basics
A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties during the tenancy. Whether it is written or verbal, a tenancy agreement creates enforceable legal obligations — but certain rights and responsibilities apply regardless of what the agreement says.
7 min read
Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant change to private rented sector law in England for 30 years. It abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, replaces fixed-term tenancies with periodic tenancies, strengthens tenant protections against discrimination, and creates a new landlord database. Whether you are already renting or about to sign a new tenancy, understanding these changes is essential.
10 min
Moving Out of a Rental Property
Moving out of a rental property requires careful planning to protect your deposit and avoid liability for additional rent. Following the right steps — from giving notice correctly to conducting a thorough check-out — makes the process as smooth as possible.
6 min read
More housing questions
- Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
- How quickly can a landlord evict me?
- How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
- What can I claim if my landlord never protected my deposit?
- Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't do repairs?
- Is mould my fault for not ventilating, or my landlord's responsibility?
Disclaimer