As a landlord, you must obtain consent to let a property, in writing, from your lender or mortgage provider. If you have a "buy to let" mortgage, permission will have been obtained as it will be a condition of getting the mortgage. If for example, you intend to rent out what would have been your principal home, it is more likely that the appropriate consent will not be in the existing deeds of the mortgage.

The consent may contain conditions such as

• creating a certain type of tenancy or 

• the required rental income

and failure to comply with such conditions could mean that you will be in breach of your mortgage agreement.

If in any doubt, speak with your lender and be sure you have the consent to let in writing.