09/06/2026
Off on an extended adventure this year? ✈️🌎
Travelling abroad or exploring the world is exciting, but for homeowners, it raises an important question: what should you do with your home while you're away? Letting your property out while you’re travelling can be a great way to earn extra income and keep your house secure.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make informed decisions.
✅Understand the Legalities
Before you let your home out, ensure you understand the legal requirements, as failing to comply can lead to hefty fines or even legal action. Whether you are letting your home on a short-term basis or for a longer period, you’ll need a tenancy agreement in place. This contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. For short-term lets, you’ll want a shorter lease, while longer-term rentals (six months or more) require a formal agreement.
If you have a mortgage on the property, check with your lender to ensure you’re allowed to rent it out, as some mortgages prohibit renting. Make sure your insurance covers rental properties, as standard home insurance may not be sufficient. You may need specific landlord insurance, which protects against things like property damage, tenant disputes, and loss of rent.
You may still be liable for council tax. Long term tenants generally cover utility bills, but make sure this is specified in the tenancy agreement.
✅Safety and Compliance: The safety of your tenants must be a priority. You’ll need to ensure the property complies with safety regulations, including gas safety checks (annual inspection), electrical safety certificates, and fire safety measures (smoke alarms, fire exits, etc.). Failure to do so could result in fines or legal action.
✅Your Personal Belongings
One of the challenges of letting out your home while travelling is deciding what to do with your personal belongings. You’ll want to ensure your items are safe, and the property is suitable for tenants.
Personal items such as valuables, family heirlooms, and sentimental objects should be safely stored. Self-storage is a great option for keeping your belongings secure while you’re away. It’s affordable, and you can rest easy knowing that your items are kept in a monitored facility, free from potential damage or theft.
If you plan to rent out your home fully furnished, take the time to declutter and leave only essential or useful items for your tenants. Consider storing excess furniture or personal items that might clutter the space or make it difficult for tenants to settle in.
Don’t forget to secure personal documents and digital data. Keep financial documents, identification papers, and any sensitive data in a safe place. If you have any home office equipment or records, ensure they’re properly stored and locked away.
✅Choosing the Right Tenants
Use a reputable letting agent or platform that conducts thorough background checks, references, and credit assessments to ensure your tenants can afford the rent and are trustworthy.
Make sure the tenants understand the expectations. This includes house rules, how to deal with maintenance issues, and any restrictions (such as no smoking or no pets). Be clear about what they should do in case of an emergency or repairs.
For long-term lets, you must place any tenant deposit into a government-approved deposit protection scheme. This ensures that both you and the tenant are protected should there be any disputes at the end of the tenancy.
✅Managing the Property from Afar
While you’re travelling, you’ll need a system in place for managing your property remotely.
Hiring a letting agent can make the process much easier. They’ll handle everything from tenant vetting to maintenance and rent collection, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
If you prefer to manage the property yourself, be sure to set up an efficient system for rent collection, communication with tenants, and maintenance requests. You may also want to appoint a trusted friend or family member to help with emergencies or issues that arise in your absence.
✅Financial Considerations
Rental income is taxable in the UK. You’ll need to declare it to HMRC, and if you earn more than £1,000 a year from renting, you’ll need to file a tax return. You can deduct certain expenses, such as repairs, insurance, and management fees, from your taxable income.
Research the local rental market to set a competitive yet realistic price. Take into account factors such as location, property size, and demand in your area. Platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or Airbnb can give you a sense of what others are charging for similar properties.
Don’t forget the costs of managing the property, whether it’s through an agent or DIY. Maintenance, cleaning, and any repairs are part of the equation. You’ll want to ensure your rental income covers these expenses and still provides a profit.
✅Maintaining Communication
Staying in touch with your tenants is essential. Even though you’re far away, regular communication helps address issues quickly and ensures that the property remains in good condition.
Schedule routine check-ins with your tenants, either by phone or email, to ask if they need anything and to confirm that everything is in good order.
Provide tenants with contact details for someone who can handle emergencies on your behalf, such as a neighbour, family member, or property manager.
✅Preparing for Your Return
When your travels come to an end, you’ll want to prepare for your return. Make sure the property is in the condition you expect, and take the time to inspect the home for any necessary repairs or cleaning.
Before your tenants vacate, schedule an inspection to ensure the property is well-maintained. Use this time to take photos and assess the condition of your home.
Once the tenants move out, ensure a smooth handover. Return the deposit, minus any deductions for damage or cleaning (if applicable), and make sure you’ve met all obligations under the tenancy agreement.
Letting out your home while travelling is a viable and profitable option, but it requires careful planning and consideration. By staying informed about the legalities, protecting your personal items, and ensuring proper management, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.
