Renting out rooms in my home while I live abroad for a short time.

[permana]

I been offered a job opportunity in Europe (I realise Brexit might prevent me from being able to take it up and making this thread pointless, but please indulge me) starting in 12 months time, so I've got a while to think about it.

I currently own a home (with mortgage) and as I live there alone I rent out a room to a lodger, under the rent a room scheme.
My house is really close to a large employer of the town, and I know I could rent out the 2 other rooms (which includes my bedroom) to another two lodgers/tenants for the year or 2 while I'm in Europe (I definitely plan to come back).

I don't want to rent my whole house out in the normal way because I would like to leave all of my possessions/furniture here, although would move personal stuff/clutter into the loft. I also have an amazing long term lodger, who looks after my elderly cat (my cat prefers her to me!) as I have to travel frequently with my current job.
I think I would probably prefer to leave my cat behind as she is a real homebody and I would be moving to a busy city, she would hate that. (Please can I state, I think this is best for the cat, not me as I bloody love that cat!)

I was thinking if my lodger was happy to stay, could I rent out the other 2 bedrooms in a similar way, but all as individual tenants? I will be able to cover the mortgage and bills and tax (I think) with 3 people renting, and I wouldn't have to clear the place out or move the cat as it's such a short period.

I will be back to see the place and friends etc several times a year, and to take the cat for her annual checkup and jabs etc.

Have I missed something glaringly obvious why this couldn't work? I would tell my mortgage company, would they be likely to refuse?

Our bank doesn't do that but we did have to discuss it with them and were clear it was still our home which we intend to return to.

Thanks for all the advice, I would definitely be coming back.
I've spoken to a local estate agent who advised me to rent 2 of the 3 bedroom out to lodgers/tenants and keep my bedroom as mine. He said otherwise with 3 people not related living together would creat an HMO and the costs associated with that wouldn't make it worth renting out for a year.
Having just 2 tenants wouldn't cover the mortgage & bills, but if it meant I still had my base for when I came back to the UK for visits then it might be worth it. (Plus the cat would be happy!)
It's all hypothetical at the moment, but I know more about how I would have to go about it now.

To OP,

I live and work outside the UK and rent out a UK property so here goes;

You will have to tell the Mortgage Lender you are letting the house. Unlikely they will refuse, but don't be surprised if they charge you for the privilege of granting permission. If you rent out long term mortgage lender may want you to change to a Buy to Let Mortgage.

Using a letting agent will cost you typically 10% of the gross rent. However, probably worth it as they perform credit checks on prospective tenants and they will be the first point of contact for the tenants which is helpful if you are outside the UK.

The House Insurance provider needs to be told too. Also don't be surprised if they increase your premium.

Keep records of all your costs; Approval from Mortgage Lender, Agent Fees, Insurance, ground rent, Interest on Mortgage and repair costs as they are Tax deductable expenses. Might be worth letting an accountant prepare your Tax Return as they will know all the allowable expenses. They will charge you a fee, but that too is an expense you can claim.

Don't leave expensive items of furniture in the areas of the house that can be accessed by tenants as they will not be as conscientious as an owner.

Might be worth taking out Insurance that is specific for Landlords. Don't cut corners on the premium. Take out a policy that covers; accidental damage, rent arrears and legal costs in the event tenants become troublesome (shouldn't be the case if Agent has vetted them correctly).

Good luck