Q: Who Do I Need To Inform To Let A Residential Property

Who do I need to inform before letting out my own property?

A: Whether you are planning to take on a lodger or move out and let your own residential property, there are a number of individuals you will need to inform:

- If you are still paying off a mortgage on this property, you will need to contact your mortgage lender
- If the property is leasehold, you will need to tell your freeholder
- Your home insurance company - this one is important, as normal home insurance won't cover tenancies meaning should something happen to your property let, it could be you who is left paying for the repairs etc
 - If you yourself a tenant, you will need to tell your landlord, especially if you are inviting someone else to come live in their property let. Fail to inform them that you have taken on a housemate, and you could be in breach of yourtenancy agreement
 - The local planning and building department - this is particularly important, if you are planning to change the use of part or all of the property. Similarly, if you are going to alter the structure i.e. turn your house into 2 flats
 - HMRC - even if you are only taking on a lodger, you are still entering into self employment and as such are liable to tax after your personal allowance
 - Local authorities - this one will depend on whether you are going to let your property on a multiple occupation basis (i.e. more than 1 tenant). If you are, you will need to register your property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).