Buy to Let - National Westminster Bank Conveyancing Requirements for Properties Let at Completion

National Westminster Bank buy-to-let obligations are explicit in Part 1 of the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook which provides that unless it is clear from the mortgage offer that the property is let or is to be let at completion then you must check with National Westminster Bank as to whether National Westminster Bank lend on "buy-to-let" properties and that the mortgage is for that purpose.

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Previously updated on 03/06/2025 Part 2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for National Westminster Bank deals with who you need to contact If different from section 1.11, i.e the contact point if property is let or to be let. It also deals with whether National Westminster Bank lend on buy-to-let

As detailed above in clause 1.11a, though we only need to be contacted if it appears from the mortgage offer or the instructions that we are not aware that the property is let or to be let.

Where the residence, or part of it, is currently let, or is to be let at completion, then the letting must comply with the details set out in the National Westminster Bank mortgage offer or any consent to let National Westminster Bank issue. If the letting does not comply, or no such details are specified, you are obliged notify the position to National Westminster Bank

Part 2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for National Westminster Bank specifies who you must contact If different from 1.11, i.e the contact point when you do not have details of current letting or letting to take place at completion:

As 1.11a

Firms authorised on the National Westminster Bank solicitor panel,when it comes to buy to let properties need to check Part 2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook as to whether counterparts or certified copies of all tenancy agreements and leases in respect of existing tenancies must be sent to National Westminster Bank after completion

In addressing the question whether the mortgage company requires a certified copy letting agreement to be sent National Westminster Bank specifically states:

No, not required for properties let under a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

For non-assured tenancies, we will require a copy of the agreement to be sent to us.
In such cases you must confirm that the tenancy agreement meets the following requirements:
1. The tenant must not use the property for business or create any business tenancy.

2. There must be no security of tenure afforded to the occupier or tenant.

3. The agreement recognises the existence of a mortgage and the potential for the mortgagee`s right to repossess.

4. The tenancy is no more than 3 years in duration and includes a break clause allowing the lender to end the tenancy agreement early, in the event of repossession.

5. The agreement must contain no other provisions which adversely affect the lender`s security or its right to enforce its remedies under the mortgage deed executed by the borrower.

The information contained within this webpage is for general information purposes only for lawyers in England and Wales, it does not constitute advice and you should always check the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for National Westminster Bank Buy to Let requirements as well as the mortgage offer. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Lexsure will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The same caveat applies to members of the public looking at this page. If you wish to find a buy to let conveyancing specialist on the National Westminster Bank panel or a buy to let mortgage broker click here.