HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) are subject to stringent safety requirements:
- The property must have adequate cooking, sanitary facilities, and adequate waste disposal facilities to accommodate the number of occupants
- There are minimum room size requirements that apply and these will vary upwards with some local authority requirements
- There should be a comprehensive main powered fire safety equipment system to include fire blankets and fire extinguishers with the required number and siting of smoke alarms and accessible fire escapes and emergency lighting
- There must be a valid gas safety record at all times where the property has a gas supply (renewed annually) and a valid electrical installation condition report showing a ‘satisfactory’ rating renewed every 5 years.
- There may be a requirement to apply for planning permission for a change of use (subject to the local authority).
The contact details for the ‘fit and proper’ person having control or managing the property must be displayed in a prominent place in the dwelling. Not having a valid licence when one is required could lead to a fine of up to £30,000.
In Wales, a landlord is subject to mandatory licensing if the property has 5 or more occupiers, who form 2 or more households & the property consists of 3 or more storeys.
At Homelink Lettings we are very competent when it comes to letting HMO properties.
Our HMO management service will:
- Ensure that your property meets the requirements of the relevant Local Authority.
- Is suitable for the number of occupants you wish to attract.
- Has the correct license or we can help you to apply.
- We will find you reliable and professional tenants who will take care of your property and will ensure they are referenced.
- We will carry out a safety review and notify you of all your requirements. We can organise these on your behalf if required (see our Landlord Fees page).
- We will offer you our professional and extensive knowledge on how to add value to your HMO or expand your portfolio.
- Of course, we will keep you fully updated at all times.
Landlord Fees
All of our fees are fully transparent and inclusive of VAT