HMO FAQs

When renting to students, we usually suggest a contract length of 48 weeks. This tenancy period typically runs from around 1st September to 31st July each year. The month of August is reserved for refreshing your property and preparing it for the next set of tenants. This schedule ensures that your property remains in excellent condition and ready for new occupants at the start of the academic year.

Yes, we put guarantors in place for student rentals. We require each student tenant to have a parent or guardian sign as their guarantor. The guarantor is responsible for covering any unpaid rent and any damages that exceed the deposit. This provides additional financial security for landlords and ensures that obligations are met.

Yes, we do rent to professionals in HMOs. Professional lets are usually managed on a room-by-room basis rather than a joint tenancy, as is common with student lets. This approach allows each room to be let at different times of the month or year and for varying contract lengths. While this can be beneficial as it reduces the likelihood of having a fully empty house, it does require that bills are included in the rent without any usage allowance unless individual meters are installed in each room. Additionally, it is advisable to provide a cleaner for the communal areas to maintain a high standard of living.

We arrange to inspect HMOs every 3 months. During these inspections, we thoroughly check the property and report our findings back to you. Regular inspections help ensure that the property remains in good condition and that any issues are addressed promptly.

For student rentals, we typically take payments termly. This means you will receive four payments throughout the year: usually 6 weeks’ rent in September, 14 weeks’ rent in October, 14 weeks’ rent in January, and 14 weeks’ rent in May. For professional lets, rent is usually collected monthly from each individual room. This regular income stream helps manage your cash flow effectively.

Yes, HMOs have specific fire safety requirements that vary depending on the size and layout of the property. Our expert team can visit your property and guide you on what is needed. A fire risk assessment will be required to determine the necessary safety measures, such as the installation of fire doors and other safety features.

Typically, the following are required as standard:

• Interlinked smoke alarms on each floor and in each communal area or basement.
• An interlinked heat detector in the kitchen.
• Thumb turn locks on exit doors and bedroom doors if fitting locks.
• A fire blanket in the kitchen.

Additionally, a housing officer from the local council will usually carry out occasional inspections and advise if there are any further requirements. Some properties may need escape windows and additional fire doors. Compliance with these safety standards is essential to protect your tenants and avoid legal issues.