If you're a landlord or property owner considering venturing into House In Multiple Occupation (HMO) property management in Norwich, you first need to understand the intricacies of their maintenance. HMOs provide an excellent opportunity for maximizing rental income, but they also come with unlque responsibilites to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your tenants.
What is an HMO?
Before delving into property maintenance, let's clarify what an HMO Is. There are two key criterlas a property must meet before it is considered an HMO.
- Multiple unrelated tenants - An HMO must have at least three tenants, each forming a separate household. This means they are not related or living together as a single family, unit.
- Tenants share facilities - Common facilitles like bathrooms, kitchens, or toilets are shared between multiple tenants. So even if the rooms are en-sulte, they would still be sharing a kitchen.
HMOs of five tenants or more forming more than one household who also share common facilitles must adhere to specific regulations set by local councils. You will need to obtain a license, which involves providing certain information about the property to the council.
HMO Property Maintenance
Now we know what an HMO property is, we can delve into the management of them.
Properly maintaining an HMO property is crucial to ensure it remains safe and habitable for your tenants. Regular inspections and prompt repairs are essential to meet regulatory standards and stay on top of any issues. If you're managing your HMO property, the responsibility for maintenance falls on your shoulders. However, If you employ an HMO manager, such as TIILI, the responsibility typically shifts to them.
Maintenance tasks in an HMO property can Include:
- Safety Inspections - Regulations around fire safety equipment, gas and electrical systems, are constantly changing. Regular inspections will mean you're confident it complies with current safety regulations.
- Repairs and upkeep - Another benefit of regular inspections is staylng on top of necessary repairs and upkeep. Well-maintaned properties are more attractive to new tenants and ensure your current tenants are more likely to stay.
- Cleaning and common areas - Inspections also allow you to ensure that shared areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are cleaned to a good standard. This helps in preventing issues like mould and pests and ensures a hygienic living environment. Some landlords opt to include a weekly cleaner for communal areas In the rent.
- Gardens and exteriors - Maintaining gardens and common outdoor spaces helps create a pleasant environment for tenants, making them more likely to stay.
How TIILI Can Help
Managing your own HMO in Norwich can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the work, particularly if you are not a full-time landlord. This is where TIILI comes into play.
We have the expertise and experience to handle all aspects of property maintenance, from regular inspections to repairs and tenant communication. We ensure your property remains lucrative, safe, and compliant with regulations.
We stay up-to-date with current guidance and regulations, utilising our team of trusted tradespeople to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to your tenants. We also have a handy 24/7 reporting portal, allowing tenants to report issues any time of the day. If there is an emergency, we can get it sorted ASAP.
Get in touch today to find out more on 01603 327327 or shout@tiili.agency
