First-time landlord

Renting out for the first time? Start here.

You don’t need to memorise 145 laws on day one. You need the right order: money permissions, safety pack, then tenants.

Free starter packDoncaster / KerrigansLocal Help

Quick answer

Yes — most homeowners in England can rent out a property if their lender allows it (Consent to Let or a buy-to-let mortgage), the home meets minimum safety and energy standards, and you follow deposit, Right to Rent and tenancy paperwork rules. Use a checklist before you advertise.

Steps

  1. 1

    Permissions & money

    Ask your lender about Consent to Let (or switching to buy-to-let). Check leasehold / freeholder rules if applicable. Decide if you’ll self-manage or instruct an agent — get fees in writing either way.

  2. 2

    Safety & energy pack

    You’ll typically need a valid EPC (usually band E or better to let), annual Gas Safety (CP12) if there’s gas, an EICR for electrics, working smoke alarms on every storey, and CO alarms where required.

  3. 3

    Tenancy day-one paperwork

    Right to Rent checks, deposit protection in an approved scheme (plus prescribed information), How to Rent guide, and clear inventory. Miss these and you create expensive problems later.

  4. 4

    Present & let

    Photos, honest listing, referencing, and a clean handover. In Doncaster, Kerrigans can run valuation through to management if you’d rather not DIY.

People also ask

Can I rent out my house if I still have a residential mortgage?

Often yes, but only with your lender’s Consent to Let (or by remortgaging to buy-to-let). Advertising without permission can breach your mortgage terms — speak to your lender or a broker first.

What certificates do I need before tenants move in?

Common England requirements include EPC, Gas Safety where gas is present, EICR, smoke/CO alarms, deposit protection info, How to Rent, and Right to Rent evidence. Your situation can vary — check Gov.uk for current rules.

Do I need a letting agent as a first-time landlord?

No. Many landlords self-manage. An agent helps with marketing, referencing and compliance admin — at a fee. Compare written quotes and service levels before you instruct anyone.

How long does it take to rent out a property?

If the legal pack is ready and the home is presentable, many lets move within weeks. Delays usually come from missing certificates, weak photos, or slow referencing — not from “the market” alone.

More landlord guides

Built around what people also ask

Change agentSwitching letting agents without the soap opera.Poor updates, surprise fees, or radio silence? You can usually change agents — even with a tenant in place — if you follow your contract and a clean handover.Compliance packLandlord certificates without the fog.People also ask about EPC, gas safety and electrics for a reason — miss one and you risk fines, void delays, or a weak position later.Fees & valueLetting agent fees — what you’re actually buying.8–15% sounds small until you multiply it by every month of a tenancy. Know the package, the extras, and the exit terms.Lender permissionConsent to Let before the “To Let” board.People also ask this constantly: can I rent out my house on a residential mortgage? Start with the lender — not Rightmove.