Renting out a property might seem straightforward—find tenants, collect rent, and you’re good to go, right? Well, not quite. There are a tonne of rules to follow. If you’ve got a residential mortgage and you’re thinking about letting out your property, there’s a key step you cannot skip: getting Consent to Let.

Whether you’re becoming a landlord for the first time or just renting out your old place after moving, this guide will walk you through what consent to let actually is, why it matters, and how to go about it.

So, What Exactly Is Consent to Let?

Consent to let is a formal agreement from your mortgage lender that allows you to rent out your property, even though you originally took out the mortgage on a residential (i.e. non-rental) basis.

In simple terms:
If you have a standard residential mortgage and want to let out your home, you need your lender’s permission first. If you go ahead without telling them, you could be breaching your mortgage terms—something that could lead to fines, increased interest rates, or even legal action in worst-case scenarios.

When Do You Need Consent to Let?

You’ll need to request consent if:

• You have a residential mortgage and want to rent out your property (either temporarily or long-term).

• You’re moving elsewhere and letting your current home to cover costs.

• You’re planning a short-term let due to work relocation, travel, or trying out a new area before fully committing to a move.

🔑 Key point: If you already have a buy-to-let mortgage, you don’t need consent—it’s built into the terms.

How Do You Apply for Consent to Let?

Every lender is slightly different, but generally the process looks like this:

1. Contact your lender – Reach out and explain your situation. Be upfront about your plans to let the property.

2. Complete any forms they require – Some may have a simple application, others might want more details.

3. Wait for approval – This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your lender.

4. Pay the fee – Most lenders charge an admin fee or increase your interest rate slightly for the duration you’re letting.

Pro Tip 🧠

Get everything in writing. Verbal consent or assumptions won’t protect you if there’s a dispute later on.

What If You Skip It?

Letting without consent might not seem like a big deal—especially if you think your lender won’t notice. But the risks are real:

• Your mortgage could be called in early (meaning the lender demands full repayment).

• You could be penalised or moved to a higher rate.

• It may void your buildings insurance if a claim arises and they discover the breach.

• If legal action follows, it could affect your credit rating and ability to get future mortgages.

So, while it might seem like a hassle, getting the green light is definitely worth it.

Can Consent to Let Be Refused?

Yes, lenders can say no. They might refuse if:

• Your mortgage is very new (usually under 6 months).

• Your financial situation doesn’t support the change.

• The property type isn’t suitable for letting.

• You have a history of late payments.

In some cases, if they refuse, you may need to consider remortgaging to a buy-to-let product—especially if you’re planning to rent long-term.

FAQs: Consent to Let

Q: Is there a fee to get consent to let?
Yes, most lenders charge a one-off fee (anywhere from £100 to £300), or they may apply a small interest rate increase during the letting period.

Q: How long does consent to let last?
It depends. Some lenders offer it for 6–12 months, while others may extend it longer. You’ll usually need to reapply if your circumstances change.

Q: Do I need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage straight away?
Not necessarily. If you’re only renting out the property temporarily, consent to let is usually sufficient. But for long-term plans, switching to a buy-to-let mortgage might make more sense financially and legally.

Q: Will my insurance be affected?
Absolutely. Letting changes your insurance risk profile. You’ll need landlord insurance, and many providers ask to see evidence of consent to let from your lender.

Pro Tips for Landlords Applying for Consent to Let

✔️ Start early – Don’t wait until tenants are lined up. Contact your lender as soon as you’re considering letting.

✔️ Have a clear reason – Lenders are more likely to approve if you can explain why you’re letting (job move, financial difficulty, travel, etc.).

✔️ Know the alternatives – If consent is refused, speak to a mortgage broker about switching products.

✔️ Review your lease (if leasehold) – If you’re in a flat, your lease may restrict subletting. You’ll need the freeholder’s OK too.

✔️ Update your insurance – Switch to a landlord policy as soon as you have permission.

Final Thoughts

Consent to let might feel like just another hoop to jump through, but it’s there for a reason. Getting it sorted keeps your mortgage, your insurance, and your legal standing in check—and helps you avoid any nasty surprises down the line.

If you’re thinking of letting your property, always speak to your lender first. A quick phone call now can save a lot of headaches later.