Moving abroad for work – Can I still continue to keep renting to two lodgers?

by Readers Question

12:01 AM, 3rd August 2023, 3 years ago 16

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Hello, I am a resident live-in landlord renting to two lodgers (lender permission granted). Looking to move abroad for work (US). I have a 5 year fixed mortgage. 4 more years left on the mortgage.

Do I need to request consent to let if I keep renting to two lodgers only and keep my bedroom and return for visits only? After 4 years when the rate expires, will I be able to switch to a buy-to-let (assuming still abroad)

If I request consent to let for the entire flat what is the likelihood of this being granted for the remainder of the mortgage tenure?

Thank you,

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Tags: 4 year fixed mortgage, Buy to let, lodgers, moving abroad for work can i still rent out property

Comments

Judith Wordsworth Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1

1:03 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

I your property is and will still be your main UK residence then think it OK to keep the status quo

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Daniel Schmid

Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 3

2:01 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 03/08/2023 – 13:03
Thank you – much appreciated. What happens in scenario where I will be considered as non UK tax resident and keep my room and visit?

Will this impact the granted consent for the two lodgers?

Many thanks!

DS

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Graham Bowcock

Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 1

2:36 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

There’s so much to consider here, but if you’re actually living abroad then you can’t be treating the other occupiers as lodgers.

If you are treating the property as your residence then you need to make sure they it really is your home. Where would people naturally correspond with you? In particular formal documents such as banking, tax, etc. How long will you spend there?

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John Porcella

Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 26

3:33 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

When you leave the property, the two others cease to be lodgers and become tenants, with all the rights afforded to them as such.

You need to get permission from the mortgage company and failing that a BTL mortgage.

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Daniel Schmid

Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 3

3:53 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Thank you.

What if I keep one room and travel back to visit? Time period of living abroad is still tbd, say 1 or 2 years?

All bills and taxes currently paid by myself and this would remain when living abroad.

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DPT

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1137

5:27 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Daniel Schmid at 03/08/2023 – 15:53
Where you are living is a matter of fact and a court would see through that very quickly. Visiting you UK home is not the same as living there.

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RoseD

Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 198

6:02 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Hi Daniel
Is your work abroad on a permit meaning you are in the country for a reason and therefore this is not your main residence just a temporary arrangement.
I’d see how things go for a few months as you not saying how often you intend to flit back and forth (which might change things with current lodger situation).
My son had a similar thing, rented his house out, job didn’t work out quite as predicted, had to rent until his tenants moved out causing costly charges made to changes on mortgage and unfortunately damage to property by not so great tenants. Not a great experience for him unfortunately so take the time to consider all options.

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RoseD

Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 198

6:08 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David at 03/08/2023 – 17:27
Hi David
Just wondering what a court has to do with this situation and if you working abroad on a permit you are technically visiting that country for a reason and therefore your main residence remains here in the uk.
Is that incorrect thinking?

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Daniel Schmid

Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 3

8:10 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Thank you all.

Yes it would be on a permit basis. Also to note the two rooms already rented to lodger had already been consented by the lender.

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John Dace

Member Since December 2013 - Comments: 52

8:48 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Does anyone else wish we could go back to good old common sense? All these rules and legislation is interfering far too much in all our daily lives. (In housing especially).
What does it matter? Why does it all have to be so complicated?
Think about how many empty potential homes are caused by all this stupidity? For example – it used to be the case that holiday home owners would gladly let accommodation from Sept to Easter when demand was low. That is now impossible due to the tidal wave of rules / legal implications. Is anyone else seeing the craziness ?

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