Houses in Multiple Occupation
Hexagon Letting Co Ltd will manage properties with HMO licenses and can also arrange your property to be licensed as a HMO.
Houses in Multiple Occupation are properties shared by three or more tenants who are not members of the same family. Depending on the exact type of HMO some landlords must have a licence from the council. All HMOs, whether the landlord needs a license or not, are subject to Management Regulations and Inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) This ensures that the property is managed properly and meets certain safety standards. The licence will be valid for up to three years, and will then have to be renewed.
Hexagon Letting will then sub-let the property to tenants, taking great care to select the right people, we will then manage the property throughout the full duration of the tenancy. This is the easiest way to let your property and giving you peace of mind knowing that your rent will be paid to you every month without fail, even if the property is empty and leaving you to get on with your busy life.
The following types of accommodation are all likely to be HMOs:
✔ Shared flats and houses
✔ Bedsits
✔ Hostels
✔ Halls of residence for students or nurses
✔ Boarding houses
✔ Hotels or bed and breakfasts with permanent residents
✔ Some supported accommodation, such as foyers or ‘move on’ (accommodation for homeless people)
If you are operating or intend to operate residential lettings in this category you would be well advised to consult with your own local authority. Local Environmental Health and Fire Officers will advise on the requirements.
If you are contemplating conversions then local planning approval will be required and the building inspectors will specify standards and requirements.
A landlord operating HMO type property will be under all the usual obligations of a landlord to maintain the property, its structure and internal services, in a fit and safe condition for his tenants.
In addition though, landlords need to arrange the management of their HMOs and in particular the common areas ensuring that:
Layouts and facilities meet minimum standards (consult your local authority)
● You maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition
● You maintain occupancy at an acceptable level
● You register with your local authority and provide details of residents and changes in occupancy.
● You identify a responsible person to manage the property and display contact details prominently on the premises.
● Stairways, passageways, and fire escapes are cleaned and free from obstructions.
● Fire extinguishers and fire alarms are tested and maintained regularly.
Tenants of HMOs have a responsibility to cooperate with their landlords to ensure that the regulations are complied with. This may mean allowing access to rooms at reasonable times.
Tenants who don’t pay their rent on time, cause damage to the property or nuisance to other occupants and neighbours will be in breach of their tenancy agreement and could face eviction proceedings.
The following points are important for landlords of HMOs:
Landlords operating certain types of HMOs will need a license from their local council.
● The landlord is liable for the occupiers’ Council Tax and therefore an amount to cover this should be included in the rental.
● Landlords converting properties into HMOs need to be aware planning, building regulations, environmental health and fire regulations must be complied with.
● A special insurance policy will be required.
● Nuisance claims brought by neighbours are likely due to increases in noise and rubbish. If not managed correctly the landlord could be held partly responsible for this.
● The landlord or house manager must by law be in control of the occupancy situation at all times. Tenants must not be allowed to come and go as they please without proper documentation – this in any case is in the landlord’s interest for rent collection and eventual possession.
You should contact you own local authority (where the property is located) for confirmation of specific rules and regulations regarding HMOs.
Hexagon Letting has over 20 years of experience within the property industry and we will share our knowledge of the market place with you to ensure that you receive the service that you expect, all of our property experts have years of direct personal experience in property and letting.