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• What to do if you want to let your leasehold property

  You do not need our permission to let out your leasehold property, as long as you: 

  • Let us know that you are renting out the property
  • Give us your new address and phone numbers
  • Provide contact details for your tenants, any key holders and your managing agent if you are using one. We will need to be able to contact them if there are any problems with the flat, such as a burst water pipe  
  • Make sure that your tenants keep to the terms of the lease, as you are responsible for their actions. 

  How to tell us you are letting out your property

  Please complete our online contact information form:

  Fill out the contact information form

• Advice on letting your property

  Tenancy agreement

  Get help from a solicitor or Citizens Advice to create a proper tenancy agreement between you and your tenant. 

  Mortgage

  If you have a mortgage, tell your lender. You may need their permission to let out your home. They might change your mortgage to a buy to-let arrangement.

  Insurance  

  If your flat is empty for more than 30 days in a row, your insurance will not cover:

  • malicious damage
  • damage caused by theft or attempted theft 
  • damage caused by water leaks from fixed pipes or appliances.

  Check your policy for full details. 

  Charges

  You’ll still receive bills for ground rent, insurance, service charges, and maintenance, as you remain responsible for these as the leaseholder.

  Council Tax

  You must inform our Council Tax team when your tenants move in or out. They'll update their records and set up an account for the new tenants. If you know the old tenants’ new address, please provide it. Visit our Council Tax page for more details.

  Utility bills

  Notify the water, gas and electricity suppliers about changes to who is responsible for paying bills.

  Tenant checks

  Join a tenant reference scheme and run checks on potential tenants. Ask for proof of identity and a reference from their previous landlord. If you employ a local letting agent, this may be included in their service.

• Your legal responsibilities as a landlord

  Tenancy agreement

  Ensure your tenancy agreement meets current legal requirements and is signed in two parts (the agreement and the counterpart).

  Landlord insurance

  Take out appropriate landlord insurance to safeguard your property and liability.

  Gas safety

  If your property has gas appliances, you must:

  • have a safety inspection every year and get a landlord's gas safety certificate
  • show the certificate to prospective tenants
  • provide a copy to your tenant after signing the tenancy agreement

  Deposit protection

  Legally, you must protect your tenant’s deposit. You should join a deposit protection scheme and have a clear process for resolving disputes.

  Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  Every rented property must have a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You should:

  • show it to prospective tenants
  • provide a copy to your tenant after signing the tenancy agreement.

  Electrical safety

  Ensure the property's electrics are safe before renting it out. Although not a legal requirement, it's your duty as a landlord to provide a safe home.

  • get a qualified electrcian to inspect the property before your tenant moves in
  • obtain a certificate confirming the electrics are safe

  Failing to ensure your electrics are safe could invalidate your insurance if an issue arises.

• How to be a good landlord

  Join a landlords’ organisation

  Consider joining groups such as the National Landlords Association or Eastern Landlords Association. Benefits include:

  • Ongoing support with landlord-related issues.
  • Representation at local, national, and European levels.
  • Discounts on a range of products and services.
  • Support to become an accredited landlord, helping to raise the standard of tenancies and properties.

  Repairs and maintenance

  Make sure tenants know who to contact for repairs.

  Options for repair services:

  • Use breakdown cover from companies such as British Gas, which also offer annual gas safety certificates.
  • Hire local tradesmen.

  Decide whether tenants should contact you for repairs or get in touch with tradesmen directly using contact details you provide.

  Decorate to a high standard

  It will be easier to rent out your property if it looks inviting and is tastefully decorated.

  Avoid bright coloured surfaces as these can quickly go out of style.

  Focus on the kitchen and bathroom. These are key areas tenants consider. Refurbishing them can help rent your property faster.

  More information

  Find out more about landlords, private tenants and homeowners.