Days Lettings Agency of Southsea are HMO experts. We currently help many landlords manage their HMO’s in and around Portsmouth. Let us help you too.

• HMOs are far more profitable to run than other types of residential lettings with rental incomes often two to three times those of single households.
• They require far more in terms of management time and effort.
• They require more in terms of initial investment to meet stringent health and safety regulations.
• Some types of HMO require the landlord to be licensed by the council.

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.

In addition, landlords will need to arrange the management of their HMOs and in particular the common areas ensuring that:

• layouts and facilities meet minimum standards
• the property is maintained in a safe and habitable condition and that occupancy is maintained at an acceptable level
• you register with your local authority and provide details of residents and changes in occupancy
• a responsible person is identified to manage the property and that their contact details are prominently displayed on the premises
• stairways, passageways and fire escapes are cleaned and free from obstructions
• Fire extinguishers and fire alarms are regularly tested and maintained

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, who 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 licence from their local council
• Landlords are 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 of planning and 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 is also in the landlord’s interest, as faciliates proper rent collection and eventual possession.)