I need to rent my house out. Do I need insurance? Does mortgage provider need to know? thanks!

[firstchoice]

Hi

I need to move my children's school by mid-August and move to a different area.

I don't have time to sell my house (unless anyone can recommend a 'buy any house' firm????)

The only way I can see of doing it is to rent my house out.

I currently have buildings and contents insurance.
Do I need different insurance, and still for both??

Do I need permission from my mortgage holder (Santander)???

I think I asked about 3 years ago and they said permission cost around £3K? I don't have that but I do HAVE to move.

Would the insurance Co inform them? Could they find out?

Don't want to bend any rules but do need to move and in a very tight place financially, so trying to do what is best.

Any advice would be welcome.

there is no registration scheme for landlords in England, but all the other advice is very sound.

Don't forget you need the Gas Safety Cert done annually and you can only have soft furnishings in a furnished let, that have a Fire label on them. I use Letsure for my insurance btw.