Should I sell my buy to let or try a different rental route?

Why are landlords thinking of selling?

Usually it's not one thing. It's tenants who don't pay, damage at the end of a tenancy, the Renters' Rights Act, tax changes, and the feeling that the property runs you rather than the other way round. All fair. But selling is the one decision you can't undo.

What questions should I ask before selling?

• Is the problem the property, or the way it's let?
• What will I actually walk away with after selling costs, tax and the mortgage?
• What would I do with the money, and would it work harder than the property?
• Would I regret losing the asset in ten years?
• Is there a family reason to keep it, now or later?

Be honest with yourself about the first question especially. A lot of landlords who say they want to sell actually just want to stop dealing with tenants. Those are two different problems with two different answers.

Take tax and mortgage advice before you decide. The numbers can look very different once capital gains and costs are in.

When is selling the right answer?

If the property is in a low demand area, needs major work, or you genuinely want to be out of property, sell. Same if you need the capital for something else. I'd never talk someone out of a sale that makes sense.

What's the case for trying a short let first?

If what's really wearing you down is tenants, arrears and lack of control, a short let fixes those without selling. There's no tenancy, so guests leave on checkout. Every guest is vetted with ID checks and a damage deposit or waiver, and damage is charged straight away. You can block dates for yourself or family.

With Renzo, landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let, without extra work. We handle everything and you get a monthly payment and statement. And if it isn't for you, our contracts are flexible: the property comes back empty and ready to sell. Think of it as a test drive before you sell the car.

How do I test it without risking everything?

Pick one property, ideally the one causing the most grief. Ask Renzo for a free income projection with local comparables, so you can see the numbers before committing. That's exactly what one of our landlords, John, did, starting with one property to test it. Our guide on switching from a long let to a short let explains the steps.

Who should just sell?

If you need a fixed income each month, or your lease or mortgage won't allow short lets, a short let won't solve your problem. If you want a fair look at every option, read the best alternatives to buy to let and is it still worth being a landlord.