Not every landlord sets out to become one.

Many people unexpectedly find themselves renting out a property after relocating, moving in with a partner, inheriting a home, struggling to sell or moving abroad for work.

These are often referred to as accidental landlords.

Whilst letting your property can provide a valuable source of income, it also comes with legal responsibilities that many first-time landlords are unaware of.

At Willmott & Lake, we regularly help accidental landlords across Bishop's Stortford, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, Takeley, Great Dunmow and the surrounding villages navigate the lettings process safely and confidently.

What Is an Accidental Landlord?

An accidental landlord is someone who didn't originally purchase a property as an investment but later decides to rent it out.

Common reasons include:

You're relocating for work.
You've moved in with a partner.
You've inherited a property.
The property hasn't sold and you don't want to reduce the asking price.
You're moving abroad temporarily.
You're purchasing another home but want to keep your existing property.

Whilst becoming a landlord can be financially rewarding, it's important to remember that renting a property is a regulated business activity with legal obligations.

Can I Rent Out My Home?

In many cases, yes, but there are several things you should check first.

Mortgage

If you have a residential mortgage, you may need your lender's permission before letting the property.

Some lenders offer Consent to Let, whilst others may require you to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage.

Always speak to your lender before advertising the property.

Leasehold Restrictions

If your property is leasehold, check your lease carefully.

Some leases contain restrictions on subletting or require you to notify the freeholder or management company.

Buildings Insurance

Standard owner-occupier insurance often won't provide the correct cover once a property is tenanted.

Make sure your insurer knows the property will be rented and arrange appropriate landlord insurance.

What Certificates Do I Need?

Before tenants move in, landlords usually need to ensure the property complies with current legislation.

Depending on the property, this may include:

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Annual Gas Safety Certificate (where gas is present)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Smoke alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms where required
Right to Rent checks
Deposit protection (if a deposit is taken)

Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines, it helps protect both landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy.

How Much Rent Could My Property Achieve?

Rental values depend on several factors, including:

Location
Property size
Condition
Parking
Garden
Proximity to schools and transport

As a guide, current rents in our area typically range from:

1 bedroom: £1,000–£1,250 pcm
2 bedroom: £1,400–£1,600 pcm
3 bedroom: £1,600–£2,100 pcm
4 bedroom: £2,250+ pcm

The best way to understand your property's rental value is through a professional rental valuation based on current market conditions.

Should I Manage the Property Myself?

Some landlords choose to manage their own properties.

Others prefer a fully managed service.

Managing a tenancy yourself means dealing with:

Tenant enquiries
Maintenance issues
Rent collection
Compliance
Inspections
Contractor coordination
End-of-tenancy matters

For landlords with busy careers or family commitments, this can become time-consuming.

Why Many Accidental Landlords Choose Full Management

For many first-time landlords, the biggest concern isn't finding a tenant—it's everything that comes afterwards.

A fully managed service provides ongoing support throughout the tenancy, helping landlords navigate compliance, maintenance and tenant communication.

At Willmott & Lake, our fully managed service includes:

Professional marketing
Tenant sourcing and referencing
Rent collection
Property inspections
Maintenance coordination
Compliance support
Tenant communication

We also:

Charge no setup fees
Do not add mark-ups to contractor invoices
Use PayProp for transparent and efficient rent processing
Outsource inventories to independent specialists, providing impartial reports should any dispute arise

What About Pets?

With the Renters' Rights reforms changing the private rented sector, landlords should carefully consider how they approach pet requests.

Whilst every application should be assessed individually, landlords should consider:

Property type
Outdoor space
Lease restrictions
Insurance requirements
Suitability of the pet

Blanket refusals are becoming increasingly difficult to justify, so taking advice before making decisions is recommended.

Common Mistakes Accidental Landlords Make

Forgetting About Compliance

Many landlords focus on finding a tenant but overlook the legal requirements involved in letting a property.

Setting the Wrong Rent

Pricing too high can lead to longer void periods, whilst pricing too low could reduce your long-term return.

Delaying Repairs

Addressing maintenance issues promptly helps protect your investment and maintain a good relationship with your tenant.

Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Managing a tenancy can be rewarding, but it also takes time, organisation and an understanding of ever-changing legislation.

Thinking About Letting Your Property?

Whether you've inherited a property, relocated for work or simply decided to rent out your home instead of selling, we're here to help.

Willmott & Lake provide tenant-find and fully managed lettings services across:

Bishop's Stortford
Stansted
Sawbridgeworth
Takeley
Elsenham
Great Dunmow
Much Hadham
Little Hadham
Surrounding villages

We'll provide honest advice, a realistic rental valuation and guide you through every stage of the lettings process.

To arrange a free, no-obligation rental valuation, contact Willmott & Lake on 01279 801165 or visit www.willmottandlake.co.uk.

Accidental Landlord? Here's Everything You Need to Know Before Letting Your Property