We want to help landlords provide quality homes to their tenants. This means we will only lend on properties that meet certain minimum standards. To check whether a property would meet these standards we’ve provided some guidance below, along with a few checks you can carry out before sending us a case.
- Condition - The property must be in a reasonable condition
- Location - The property must be in suitable environment where there is sufficient rental demand
- Licensing - Where applicable, the property must have the appropriate licence
- Alterations - Where applicable, the property must have the relevant approvals
| Minimum Property Standards |
Steps to follow |
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Condition
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- Check the property is in reasonable condition and currently fit for letting. Use websites (such as Rightmove or Zoopla), or ask the Landlord for photographs.
- It must:
- be well maintained with working fixtures and fittings.
- have a full and functioning heating system.
- be free from any significant disrepair.
- Any repair works required should be minimal. The property must meet the Decent Homes Standard and be lettable in its present state.
- We don’t accept properties which require significant maintenance or renovation.
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Location |
- We won’t accept properties where their proximity to commercial or adverse uses could result in noise, smell or other disturbances likely to impact demand and marketability, such as:
- industrial premises
- fast food outlets
- A3 class premises such as public houses, restaurants, bars, cafes and businesses with extended operating hours
- areas where there are derelict properties or external disrepair
- where there is evidence of vandalism likely to impact demand.
- Check the property and location using online maps (for example Google Maps) to understand whether the property is in an acceptable location (including checking aerial and street views).
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Licensing |
- Check the local authority website to see whether the property is in an area where its intended use (i.e. single family let or sharers) requires a licence. If so, ensure that one is in place at the time of the application.
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Alterations |
- If the property has been altered or extended, ensure the work has been completed in compliance with any necessary statutory approvals. This includes conversions of basements and lofts. You'll need to have documented proofs at the time of application.
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| Checks to speed up your application |
| Value |
- Homes must be in an area with good and sustainable demand. There must be evidence of similar properties in the area achieving the declared sales and rental values.
- For remortgage cases, you can use online portals such as Zoopla or Rightmove to verify the customer's estimated capital and rental values. This will help ensure they’re realistic and reduce the chance of a “down-valuation”.
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| Occupation |
- If the property is let to sharers, make sure:
- when applying for a standard The Mortgage Works product, that there’s no more than 4 sharers.
- the property has a communal living space. We do accept large open-plan kitchen/living room as long as it’s big enough to meet reasonable occupant needs.
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