I've inherited a property. How do I get the most income with the least hassle?

Why is this decision harder than it looks?

Inheriting a house usually comes at the worst possible time. You're grieving, sorting paperwork, and suddenly responsible for a property you didn't plan for. There's no rush to decide everything in the first month. Get the basics safe and secure first, then think.

And there's the emotional side. A lot of people we talk to don't love the idea of strangers living in Mum and Dad's house for years and slowly wearing it down. That feeling is normal, and it should be part of the decision.

What does leaving it empty really cost?

More than people expect. You've still got council tax, which many councils charge at a higher rate on long term empty homes, plus insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Empty homes also tend to pick up problems like damp or leaks that go unnoticed for weeks. Some insurers have specific conditions for unoccupied properties too, so check your policy.

What are the honest options?

Selling gives you a clean break and a lump sum. If nobody in the family wants the house and you don't want to be a landlord, it's a perfectly good answer. Take tax advice first, as there can be capital gains and inheritance tax points to think through.

A long let gives steady rent, but you hand over control. Under the new rules it's much harder to get the property back if you later want to sell or move in, which we cover in our guide on life after Section 21.

A short let keeps the home in the family and earns income. Landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let with Renzo, without doing any extra work themselves. You can block dates whenever family want to stay.

How does a short let protect the home?

This is the part people don't expect. With a long let, you might see inside the property once or twice a year. With Renzo, the property is checked and cleaned at least every two weeks, and we do a photo audit after every clean, so you can see its condition any time you like.

Every guest is vetted with ID checks and a damage deposit or waiver before they get the keys. If something is damaged, it's charged straight away. Most of our guests are contractors and relocating families, not party groups. If that's your main worry, read what happens if a guest causes damage.

Does it need to be done up first?

Usually it needs some work. Older family homes often need fresh decoration, new beds and better wifi. Please don't overspend. We offer a full done for you setup covering furnishing, photos and the listing, and we'll tell you what's worth buying and what to skip. Our guide on whether a property is suitable covers the checks.

Who should just sell?

If the house is miles from any demand, needs major work, or the family genuinely needs the cash, selling is often right. We'd rather say that than sign you up for something that won't work. If you're unsure, start with one property and test it, which is exactly what one of our landlords, John, did.