Ten Top Tips for HMO owners
At Urpad, we don’t just manage your HMOs – we partner with you to protect and grow the value of your investment. Successfully running an HMO can be complex, but with the right approach, your property can become a consistently profitable and well-maintained asset. These top ten tips are based on our experience managing HMOs across the UK, designed to make your property easier to manage for us and more valuable in the long term for you.
We believe the best outcomes come when we work as a team with you, combining your investment goals with our expert management and up-to-date knowledge of licensing and legislation.
1. Keep licensing up to date
HMOs require the correct licences to operate legally, and recent changes have expanded licensing schemes across many areas, including Bristol. Making sure your property has the right mandatory or additional licences helps avoid costly fines and keeps your investment secure.
Our role:
We help you monitor licence expiry dates, prepare applications, and ensure you never miss important deadlines, making compliance straightforward for you.
2. Plan ahead for legislation changes
Local licensing policies can change, and deadlines can be strict. Missing them can lead to heavy penalties.
Our promise:
We stay on top of regulatory shifts and guide you through all changes, so your HMO meets the latest legal standards without stress.
3. Prioritise fire and safety compliance
Fire safety is vital in HMOs. Regular fire risk assessments, alarms, extinguishers, and escape route maintenance aren’t just legal requirements – they protect tenants and preserve your asset.
Our commitment:
We schedule and manage fire safety checks and upgrades, ensuring your property stays safe and compliant.
4. Focus on energy efficiency for long-term savings
Energy efficiency improvements aren’t just good for the planet; they help control running costs and appeal to tenants.
Our advice:
We recommend cost-effective upgrades – like insulation and efficient heating – to keep bills in check and your EPC rating competitive.
5. Use specialist HMO insurance
HMOs face unique risks. Normal landlord insurance often leaves gaps which specialist HMO insurance covers.
Our support:
We can advise on what the right insurance policies should contain, helping you protect your property and rental income fully.
6. Regular inspections and maintenance
HMOs tend to have more wear and tear. Proactive inspections help catch issues early and show tenants you’re serious about quality.
Our process:
We perform scheduled inspections and maintenance follow-ups, maintaining high standards without disruption to you – we can discuss with you whether the schedule needs tweaking for certain properties
7. Choose tenancy agreements wisely
Different HMOs suit different tenancy types. Joint tenancies suit close groups; individual agreements fit larger, mixed tenant houses.
Our expertise:
We help tailor tenancy agreements that minimise disputes, protect deposits correctly, and fit your tenant profile.
8. Provide adequate amenities and furnishings
Licensing requirements include space per tenant, sufficient bathrooms, and robust furnishings. Overcrowding risks licence refusal.
Our role:
We can audit your property’s facilities and recommend improvements, making the HMO attractive for tenants and inspectors alike.
9. Positive tenant relationships
Happy tenants care for your property and report small problems before they escalate.
Our approach:
We foster communication through dedicated support and modern tools, resolving issues promptly and building goodwill.
10. Stay informed and proactive
The HMO landscape changes rapidly. We make continuous learning and communication part of our service so you never face surprises.
Our promise:
Regular updates, emails, and direct consultation keep you informed and confident about your investment.
Working together for long-term success
When you entrust Urpad with your HMO, you gain a management partner committed to maximising your property’s value while simplifying the workload for you. Our comprehensive, team-oriented approach ensures your HMO is compliant, well-maintained, and financially productive.
By following these top ten tips and leveraging Urpad’s expertise, your HMO isn’t just a property; it’s a thriving, manageable asset designed to appreciate and generate steady returns.
We’re here to make the journey straightforward and successful, working side by side with you every step of the way. Please get in contact if you have any questions.