Tessa's Ten Top Tips for landlords on Houses in Multiple Occupation
- If a property complies with the definition of an HMO in the Housing Act 2004 it will automatically be an HMO - for example using a joint and several tenancy agreement type will not change this
- Generally a property will be an HMO if three or more unrelated people share living accommodation but this is not the only definition.
- Not all HMOs need a licnese. Generally this is just where the rented property is a building consisting of three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more tenants in two or more households
- The licensing requirements vary from Local Authority to Local Authority, as some have applied for additional licensing
- Always check what the situation is in your area before renting out your property
- ALL HMOs are subject to the additional management regulations whether or not the property needs licensing so check these out before renting
- There are also amenity standards which apply to all HMO properties
- Amenity standards also vary from Local Authority to Local Authority, so this is something else you need to check before you rent.
- HMO properties are generally more 'hands on' than other types of rented property so be aware of this before you rent.
- The special regulations for HMOs are in ADDITION to all the other rules that apply to rented properties.
Notes:
Members can read FAQ and articles on the points covered here.
