I've finally got around to getting the land registry entry for the property I rent. I'm rather surprised to find that under the title absolute the proprietor, my landlady, is registered as living at the property.

I know that on its own this will not affect the mortgage, but could this be done to help her get a residential mortgage (it was taken out in early 2002, so there was a differential) or would the mortgage company not look at the title deeds?

This is the only warning sign so far. I've not seen any mortgage documents, and although the mortgage company, "The Mortgage Business" does appear quite sub-prime one of its lines is to do buy to let mortgages.

that could be a tricky one for you. If she's buy to letting and has got a non-BTL mortgage then she's breaking rules somewhere. I'm sure someone can point you in the right direction on here

She is not registered as living at your address, this is just her "address for service".

Each property owner must have an address within england and wales for service of statutory notices. (up to three addresses maybe entered i believe). There is no requirement that you live at the address but for your own protection you should be sure that any statutory notice sent to the address will actually reach you.

If I was a landlord i would not have my address to be the property address, i would have my solicitor or my own address.

Do you get post at the property for the LL?

This was the telling thing for me - all his mail was delivered to the property - and he collected it when he collected the rent - it was only when the baliff's called for the mortgage arrears I knew something was amiss - but the signs were there.

Another LL I had didn't have all the post but did have Council Tax and mortgage stuff delivered - accidentally I opened the Council Tax once - expecting it to be mine and not looking at the front of the envelope just the Council's logo on the back - and she got the police in.

Later learnt that person was a multiple LL with problems juggling Peter to pay Paul - hence the over-reaction of the Police.

There are likely to be signs if they are claiming the property as their main place of residency.

At my last property I did and like you i'm certain he had not told the mortgagees he was renting out.

My LL's official residence in the UK is also where I rent. This is not an issue - Royal Mail redirects very accurately.

As long as the LL informs the mortgage company and gets their prior approval, they can move out and rent the property without changing the mortgage. They need to (or should) take out the appropriate insurance, but that is about all.