For Landlords
Is a corporate let right for your property?
It doesn’t suit everyone, but the potential for greater income and steady occupancy means it’s always worth considering.
WHAT IS A CORPORATE LET?
A different kind of tenant means a different set of advantages
A corporate let is a tenancy where the tenant is a business, not a private individual. The company rents the property and places its own employees, contractors, or visiting staff in it for the duration of their assignment. On Lewis and Harris, this is increasingly common for renewable projects, NHS locums, and infrastructure contractors.
THE HONEST VIEW
Pros and cons of offering your property as a corporate let
No single letting model suits every landlord. Here is a straightforward summary of what you gain — and what you need to think about — compared with a conventional residential Private Residential Tenancy (PRT).
Advantages
Higher yield
A company let is more profitable than a standard residential let, especially when a steady medium to long term tenancy is secured. A well-presented property in the right location can achieve an income of three to four times a standard domestic let.
Lower risk of arrears and deposit disputes
Corporate tenants value the relationship and their own compliance record. Rent arrears are rare, and end-of-tenancy disputes are typically handled cleanly and rarely cause any trouble.
A more straightforward regulatory environment
Company lets fall under the STL regulations, and while set-up costs are slightly higher, the ongoing rights and responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant are dictated mostly by the lease and agreement, not by legislation
Property kept to a higher standard
Occupants tend to be working professionals and contractors away from home. As part of the service, we arrange a changeover every two weeks and at the end of every let. All this means less wear and tear and more maintenance of the property.
Flexibility if your plans change
Company lets are granted on non-PRT, contractual bases with defined end dates — useful if you may want the property back for family use, sale, or to switch to a long-term tenant.
Things to consider
Higher set-up standard required
Corporate tenants expect quality furniture, fast broadband, a proper workspace, full kitchenware and linen. Initial fit-out costs are higher than an unfurnished residential let.
More frequent turnover
Occupants may change every few weeks or months as teams rotate. Good management is essential — cleaning, key handover and inspections need to happen smoothly between stays.
All bills typically included
Corporate rents are usually inclusive of council tax, utilities and broadband. Your headline rent is higher, but your net yield depends on accurate bill forecasting.
Demand can be project-linked
Certain corporate demand is tied to specific infrastructure or contractor projects. A diversified client mix — which I actively maintain — protects against single-project exposure.
Different tenancy framework
Because the tenant is a business, the tenancy falls outside the Private Residential Tenancy regime. The protections and processes are different, and the paperwork needs to be handled by a professional.
Tax & mortgage considerations
Your lender, insurer and accountant will need to be aware that the property is let on a company basis. I can signpost specialist advice; I am not a tax or legal adviser.
AT A GLANCE
Corporate let vs. residential PRT vs. short-stay
How the main letting models compare for a typical well-appointed property on Lewis or Harris.
| Corporate Let | Residential PRT | Short-Stay / Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenant | Business | Individual / family | Individual guests |
| Typical length | 1 Week to 12 months | Open-ended | Nightly / weekly |
| Typical yield | High | Moderate | Very High - Low (seasonal) |
| Void risk | Low–medium | Low | Medium–high |
| Bills included | Yes | No | Yes |
| Furnishing | High-spec furnished | Often unfurnished | High-spec furnished |
| Management intensity | Medium (I handle it) | Low | High |
| Regulatory regime | Short-term let licence required | PRT (Housing Scotland Act 2016) | Short-term let licence required |
This is a general guide only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Your specific situation — including your mortgage, insurance and tax position — should be discussed with the relevant professional.
HOW IT WORKS
What I handle on your behalf
Marketing to corporate clients
I present your property to my established network of employers and agents across the Western Isles — you don't pay for advertising on portals you don't need.
Contracts & compliance
Company let agreements, EPC/EICR/gas/ legionella documentation, landlord registration and deposit handling.
Full property management
Check-in and check-out, periodic inspections, turnover cleans, maintenance coordination, and 24/7 emergency response for tenants.
Bills & invoicing
I deal with the company, clean out, and any repairs and maintenance requirements
Transparent reporting
Monthly statements, annual summaries for your accountant, and a clear view of occupancy, maintenance and yield.
Fit-out guidance
If you're preparing a property for corporate use for the first time, I advise on layout, furniture, inventory and the small details that achieve the best rate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Common landlord questions
What kind of property works best?
Two- to four-bedroom houses and well-apportioned flats in and around Stornoway, and the main commuter villages. Parking, good Wi-Fi capability, and a ratio of one shower to two rooms are the amenities corporate guests look for.
How long are placements?
Typically 7 days to 12 months, occasionally longer. I can also do rolling monthly agreements that suit contractor rotations.
Do I need any special insurance?
Yes — you will need landlord insurance that permits corporate/company letting. I can point you to insurers I regularly work with.
What are your fees?
I work on a fully managed basis. For contracts of 3 months or less, I charge 15% of the monthly rent.
For contracts longer than 3 months, there is a £300 set-up fee, followed by 15% of the monthly rent for ongoing management.
Curious whether your property would suit a corporate let?
I offer a no-obligation appraisal — a realistic view of the rent it could achieve, the works (if any) required, and the likely demand profile for its location.