Consent to let refused

Hi,

I would like some advice.

I bought my (leasehold) flat two years ago and in February I remortgaged with Tescos on a 2 year fixed rate repayment deal. At the time that I took the mortgage out I knew that there was a chance that I may move in with my boyfriend and I asked Tescos if they would allow me to get a consent to let at some point. They told me that they would treat each case separately. As it was not an outright no, I decided to go ahead with the mortgage. My LTV is around 66% but could be better than this if I had the flat revalued.

I have now decided to move in with my boyfriend and I telephoned Tescos to ask if I can get a consent to let. They asked me if it was a permanent move and I said yes, they then said that they wouldn't offer a consent to let because it was my choice to move.

I'd like to know:

If I were to go back to them and ask for just a year's consent to let is it likely to make a difference?

If I decide to rent out anyway, what are the risks? Would my insurance be invalidated because I have not got permission from my bank - so if the tenants were to burn the house down would I not be able to claim?

I don't really feel that I can remortgage to get a buy to let at this stage because I will have to pay a 3% redemption charge plus pay a high arrangement fee for a new mortgage along with a higher rate of interest so my other option would be to leave the flat empty.

Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks