Buy-to-let mortgage
A mortgage designed for property let to tenants rather than owner-occupied.
2 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Buy-to-let lending is assessed on projected rental income rather than salary, and lenders impose conditions on the tenancy — for example, minimum terms, restrictions on HMO or student lets, and consent requirements. Breaching a lender condition can put the mortgage into default.
Legal requirements
- Letting a residential-mortgaged property without consent to let breaches the mortgage terms.
- Individual landlords cannot deduct mortgage interest as an expense; a 20% tax credit applies instead.
Practical guidance
- Check the lender's tenancy conditions before agreeing an unusual let (HMO, company let, short term).
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.