House Letting Query

Judean Reg

Apologies if it has been asked before, I did a search a couldn't find exactly what I was looking for or where the best place to ask the question was, mods please move as applicable.

I bought a new house 3 years ago. First time buyer, no stamp duty etc etc. I am now considering moving out and also leaving the state however am not too sure what my legal stance would be should I decide to rent my house out. I have a couple of questions which I could do with a steer on.

• Would I be liable to pay back the stamp duty?
• If I declare the income on rental but am not earning in the state, does it automatically become tax free as it would be below my TFA?
• Am I entitled to rebates on the fixtures and fittings I have put into the house which I would be leaving behind for renters?
• Anything else I should be aware of?

To free up some cash, I have been considering changing my mortgage to an interest only mortgage as the plan is to do this for a couple of years and then either sell or move back, however it does not look like there is much of a difference between capital and interest only mortgages. Anybody steer me on best practice there?

Also, one of the considerations I have at present is handing my house over to a letting company and letting them look after all aspects of the rental, lazy I know but as I will be out of the state it may be easier. Is this something anybody has experience on that could advise me of best companies, things to watch out for etc etc.

Many thanks for your help.

Spike440

You'd probably be better off posting this on the accommodation and property forum.

Citizens' information is good on stamp duty (http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/housing/buying-a-home/purchasing-a-home/stamp_duty/?searchterm=stamp%20duty%20first%20time%20buyer). I think you have to pay back first-time buyers' stamp duty if you rent the property within the first five years.