How Do I Rent Out My Home in Surrey for the First Time?
By Samantha Young | Created on 6th October 2025
How do I go about renting out my home in Surrey? If you’re relocating or moving in with a partner, you might consider letting your house instead of selling up.
Perhaps you want to retain a foothold in the local property market, or are tempted by the prospect of generating rental income. Average monthly rents in the Mole Valley area increased by 7.1% in the past year, according to ONS figures – food for thought if you’re considering renting out your Bookham or Leatherhead home.
But it’s important to understand the work involved, and the legal requirements of owning rental properties. Read out introductory guide to find out how to let a property in Surrey.
Questions to ask before letting property for the first time
Can I afford the costs of being a landlord?
Before renting out a property for the first time, establish what rent you can realistically charge and whether you can cover the mortgage, insurance, maintenance and a fund for void periods. If you won’t feasibly generate enough rental income, you could consider selling.
Should I let the property furnished or unfurnished (and which is more cost-effective in my area)?
Renting a furnished property often allows you to charge a higher monthly rent, but some areas see stronger demand for unfurnished properties. Tenants who own furniture may also want a longer-term rental, reducing void periods between tenancies. Ultimately, this all depends on your area and target market.
Have I budgeted for letting agent fees if I don’t want to self-manage?
If you need support as you work out how to rent out your property, or feel uncomfortable dealing with tenant issues or rent collection, property managers offer the ideal solution. However, you must budget for management fees.
Mortgage lenders may grant permission to rent out your home for a few months under a residential mortgage, but longer-term you need to arrange a buy-to-let mortgage. Leaseholders may also need to approach the freeholder.
2. Arrange landlord insurance
Basic landlord insurance is required by most lenders, and further landlord cover is available for contents, damage and unpaid rent.
3. Prepare the property to let
Before marketing your property to tenants, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with an EPC E rating or higher. Limited exemptions are available.
4. Follow safety requirements
Landlords must fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and arrange electrical testing and annual gas safety checks to ensure gas appliances are safe. Health and safety rules for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are more stringent.
Will you manage the property yourself? A letting agency’s expertise can be an asset to new landlords, ensuring that everything is handled with professionalism.
7. Set the rent & market appropriately
Realise your property’s potential but ensure it’s competitive on the local rental market. Start by researching similar rental properties online and talk to your letting agent for advice.
8. Do tenant referencing & selection
Landlords must carry out right to rent checks to confirm the immigration status of all prospective tenants, and credit checks and referencing are strongly recommended.
9. Prepare a tenancy agreement
It’s essential to cover all the bases in the tenancy agreement to avoid conflict or confusion later on. The rent amount, reasons why the deposit may be withheld, tenancy start and end dates, property inspection frequency – leave no room for assumptions.
Landlords are now legally required to protect their tenants’ deposits in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days, and issue the prescribed information as per gov.uk.
11. Prepare tenant move-in pack
Tenants must be given the government How to rent guide, along with the tenancy agreement, inventory and waste disposal instructions.
12. Do inventory & check-in
Landlords should always carry out an inventory at check-in and refer to it during property inspections and at check-out in case of damage.
13. Keep up with maintenance & legislation
Keep the property well-maintained, with appliances, heating and water supplies in good working order. The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to tighten up expectations further.
14. Consider tax obligations
You must declare rental income on your annual tax return. When you decide to sell the property, landlords must also pay capital gains tax (CGT).
Know how to rent out your home in Surrey?
Unsure how to rent your home out for the first time? Davies Property Partners can help. Contact us today to discuss your property in the Leatherhead, Claygate, Esher or Thames Ditton areas.
I have worked in the lettings industry for over 6 years now, having started out as a viewing assistant whilst at university, which is where I developed a real passion for matching the right home to my customers. I know the South West London and Elmbridge markets really well as I live locally and also attended Esher College.
