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Thinking of letting your property? Before you do, check your mortgage. Discover how to get the right permissions and avoid costly breaches.
Prefer to watch? Press play on the video above for a quick overview or keep reading for the complete guide.
Renting out your home can be a smart financial move, but only if your mortgage allows it. Many landlords don't realise that letting under the wrong mortgage type can breach terms and lead to penalties. Before listing your property, it's crucial to understand the rules of your existing loan.
Good news. If you already have a buy-to-let mortgage, you’re usually clear to proceed but always double-check the small print. Some lenders include clauses about tenant types (e.g., no DSS or students) or lease term restrictions. Our lettings team can help you review your agreement for peace of mind.
Residential mortgages are for owner-occupiers, not landlords. If you're planning to leave but still have a residential loan, you'll need permission. Failing to disclose it may breach your terms and invalidate your insurance. Always contact your lender to explain your plans and request approval first.
When you speak to your lender, one of three things usually happens:
This is a short-term agreement from your lender allowing you to rent out your property while still on a residential mortgage. It's often granted for 6–12 months and may include a fee or a higher interest rate. Consent to let is ideal for temporary scenarios, such as moving abroad or relocating for work.
Planning to let long term? You'll likely need to switch to a buy-to-let product. These mortgages are designed for rental income, often requiring you to demonstrate that the expected rent covers 125–145% of the repayments. Our team can assist by providing rental valuations to support your mortgage application.
If you own a leasehold property (like a flat), check your lease agreement. Many include restrictions on subletting or require formal permission from the freeholder. This may involve:
- Paying a consent fee
- Providing tenant details
- Signing a deed of covenant
Failure to comply with lease terms can lead to disputes or even legal action.
The Robinson Jackson Group works closely with independent mortgage advisers who specialise in buy-to-let. Whether you're unsure how to approach your lender, need help comparing products, or want reassurance about leasehold rules, we’re here to help.
Speak to our lettings specialists today and start investing smarter, to live better.
Selecting the right agent for you should not be a difficult decision. Although you may find agents ability to deliver expert support, long-term, can vary. As a Landlord, you need to trust the agent to guide you through every step of the lettings process and manage your property once a tenant moves in. This is particularly important given the amount of new government legislation frequently introduced. Many carry hefty fines for non-compliance. The wrong choice can be costly, so please consider an agency's reputation carefully.
Over-valuing and setting an unrealistic rental price will cost you money. Rental prices can change almost weekly. So your chosen agent must demonstrate their knowledge regarding comparable properties competing for the tenant demand in the local area at the time of placing your property on the market. An agent with a high turnover of rental properties will show you recently let properties and the rent agreed. This will ensure a successful let within your specified timeframe and avoid an empty property.
With so many properties on the market, differentiating yourself from the competition is vital. Fantastic photos – perhaps utilising wide-angle and enhanced images – will help your property stand out on Rightmove & Zoopla. To maximise the interest, avoid agents that solely rely on the internet for tenant enquiries. Instead, choose an agent that combines excellent marketing with a proactive lettings team, who will utilise their rich database of tenants to maximise the interest in your property.
When it comes to advertising online, there are good, bad & ugly techniques like any marketing channel. Agents with an in-depth understanding of tenant behaviour whilst on property websites are at a distinct advantage. A strategic plan is strongly advised, instead of posting the advert and sitting back & waiting. Tie this with creating urgency before and on the viewings will give you the best chance of success.
Continual communication from the outset is key. Knowing how much activity your property has gained allows you to make informed decisions. It can be the difference between a let or a void period. Choose an agent committed to providing regular updates about the level of interest and feedback from prospective tenants.
It is your property; it is, therefore, your choice who lives there. Sometimes this may not be the person offering the highest rent. An open discussion with your agent about your preferences allows you to stay in control.
There are over 100 pieces of legislation that must be adhered to before a move-in takes place. Many of these carry hefty fines for non-compliance. Ensuring your agent informs you or actions them on your behalf means you will be protected before, during and after the tenancy.
Once let, and under property management's watchful eye, the information they provide from regular inspections is essential to the tenancy term's smooth running. These will help ensure your property is being cared for in the way you would wish. It also allows you to address any maintenance issues quickly and effectively to uphold the property's condition. Access to an online landlord portal will provide 24/7 visibility.
It is vital to ensure you retain all records, documents and statements relating to the tenancy. This not only protects you and your property against any damage once returned post-tenancy but helps with any personal tax obligations. These are now securely stored in an agent's online portal for easy access.
We genuinely care for customers, whether you are a current customer or thinking about using our services. Advice is always available from our Lettings Specialists. If there is anything you wish to discuss, please feel free to contact us. We can also help landlords looking to expand their portfolio, considering equity release or reducing your monthly outgoings, perhaps via a re-mortgage. Buy-to-let experts and Financial Advisers are available throughout the Robinson Jackson Group.
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We believe in total transparency and display all fees and costs that will apply. All fees are inclusive of VAT.
Please note: Some fees may differ depending on the address of the property to be let. Contact us today for the specific fees for your property.
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