If you’re thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time, it’s natural to have questions. Whether you plan to rent out your house or invest in a buy-to-let property, the right preparation can make all the difference. With plenty of demand for rental homes, especially in growing areas like Kettering, now might be a good time to explore the potential of becoming a landlord.
Here’s a guide on renting out your house to help you feel more confident about getting started and to explain the kind of support landlords can count on.
Understanding the buy-to-let market
The buy-to-let market has been growing steadily, with many first-time landlords choosing to set up limited companies for tax and management reasons. Since tax changes in 2016, over 400,000 buy-to-let companies have been registered across the UK.
When considering this route, it's worth getting proper advice from a tax specialist or accountant. It might not be necessary for everyone, but it’s something to consider, especially if you’re looking at growing a portfolio over time.
Think through the finances
Let’s be honest, renting out a property isn’t just about collecting rent. Buy-to-let mortgages are different from regular residential ones. You’ll usually need a bigger deposit (typically at least 25%), and the interest rates can be slightly higher.
There are also a few extra costs to factor in, like:
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Landlord insurance
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Maintenance and repairs
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Safety certificates
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Letting agent fees (if you choose to use one)
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Gaps between tenancies
Making sure the numbers stack up is important. A good letting agent can help talk you through these and even show what sort of rent you could realistically expect.
What are your legal responsibilities?
When renting out a property, there are a few legal requirements you need to stay on top of to protect you and your tenants. These rules are there to make sure the home is safe, comfortable, and up to standard. While it might sound a bit technical at first, most of these responsibilities are straightforward to manage, especially if you’ve got the right help in place from the beginning. These include:
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Gas safety checks every year
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An electrical safety inspection every five years
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Providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
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Making sure the home is safe and in good condition
Getting this right from the start saves hassle later. You don’t need to be an expert yourself – just make sure you’ve got reliable tradespeople or a letting agent who can handle this for you.
Getting the property ready to let
If you're renting out your house, think about it from a tenant’s point of view. Would they feel at home? Is it clean, well-maintained, and functional?
Some landlords use a fresh coat of paint or new flooring to make things feel more welcoming. Others choose to rent their property unfurnished to keep things simple. Either way, making sure it’s ready to move into is key. A tidy, well-presented property often means better tenants and can justify a higher rent.
Finding the right tenants
One of the biggest worries for any landlord is getting the “wrong” tenants. That’s why proper screening is essential. This usually includes:
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Credit and reference checks
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Employment verification
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A review of their rental history
You can do this yourself or use a letting agent to handle it. A good agent will also carry out viewings, handle the paperwork, and collect deposits, giving you more peace of mind.
Day-to-day management
Once the tenant moves in, your role doesn’t stop. Tenants will need to contact someone if a tap starts leaking or the boiler stops working. You’ll also need to keep up with legal updates and renew safety certificates on time.
Some landlords enjoy managing things themselves. Others prefer a local letting agent to look after everything, from repairs and rent collection to regular inspections. If you’re based further away, or just want less admin, it’s worth looking into.
Why Kettering is a great spot for landlords
Kettering is well worth considering if you’re looking at buy-to-let property in Northamptonshire. It has great transport links, schools, and local amenities, all things renters look for. Demand for quality rental homes in Kettering is strong, and as local Kettering letting agents, we’ve seen first-hand how quickly well-presented properties can let.
Becoming a landlord for the first time might feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether renting out your house for the first time or thinking about a buy-to-let investment, there’s plenty of support for landlords, especially when you work with an experienced letting agent who knows the local market.
If you’re based in or around Kettering and need practical advice on what to expect, what rent you could achieve, or how to find the right tenants, we’d be happy to help.
