Renting Out Houses In Multiple Occupation (HMO’s)

A rental house which is occupied by three of more unrelated persons, who do not form a single household is considered a HMO.  This form of letting is beneficial to the tenant in helping to keep the costs down.  The facilities are shared among the parties, although the sleeping quarters are separate.  Sharing on costs is convenient for many single people, couples and students attending school.

When a house is being let as multiple occupations, the landlord has many rules and guidelines that must be followed.  Their landlord must also have a HMO registration certificate.  This certificate proves that the landlord is up to regulation with the gas and electrical status of the building.  Having the house and installations in the house service and maintained provides security to the tenant letting the house or flat.

There are many specifications and regulations that the landlord must comply with when letting to multiple occupants.  Having the proper space when referring to sleeping, cooking, bathing, and common areas are set out in black and white and must be adhered to.  Having the building up to code and having proper safety devices installed and in working order are of the utmost importance.  More accidents and safety concerns happen in HMO houses.  There are many health and environmental issues when more than two people of separate families live in one house.  From cleaning issues and taking out the garbage to the appropriate areas outside the building to theft inside the flat or house.

Tenants that let this from of housing must also accept that his form of letting is of higher incidence of safety issues.  When tenants share a house, they may choose to lock their personal belongings in their bedroom.  When a bedroom is locked, there is a higher fire safety concern for the other tenants.  Common sense when it comes to candles, smoking and using appliances may not be equal with all the tenants sharing the same house.  For this and many other reasons the incidence rates are higher.

Many students and workers choose this form of habitation.  It makes monetary sense for students to pay lower costs for let of a house or flat.  It also can contribute to a noisy house when many students are living beneath one roof.  The landlords need to be informed and stick to guidelines to have a successful house rented to HMO’s.  Tenants moving in with other tenants, that are not family related, need to know the possible safety issues.  Saving money seems like a great deal, but in the end, being safe and free from health, theft and environmental issues are also of great importance in choosing a rental home.