HMOs: Why should you invest? - There are fewer "impactful gaps" between tenants: The gap between tenants for a single occupancy property can be as low as a month. This allows for repairs, redecorating, and viewings without rent coming in. An HMO allows you to reduce your losses by renting from the remaining tenants. You may also be able to deduct more costs than with a standard BTL.
Before you decide to invest, make sure to speak with your local HMO licensing agent. It is important to be familiar with the local definitions and licensing requirements. This may include minimum sizes for living spaces and kitchens, number of bathrooms or showers, fire apparatus, and other such things.
HMOs are typically more expensive to run and usually require more effort and time. HMOs have different safety and security requirements than regular renters. For example, every room will require locks. HMO setup costs will therefore be more expensive than regular buys to let.
A traditional buy-to-let property could accommodate one person, or a large family. The household would have to pay one rental payment on a weekly and monthly basis. The utility bills are also paid by the household. These can be called'singlelets'.
HMO licenses are issued by local councils and can be renewed for up to five years, if approved. HMO licenses are issued for each property, not each landlord. A landlord who has three HMO properties would need a license for each one.
Traditional buy-to-let models would usually house a family, or people who have decided to live together. Disputes can usually be resolved within the household, without the landlord being involved. Therefore, landlords will usually have an HMO type such as student buy-to-let or one that is only for working professionals.
Complex property types will require more risk-averse lenders to be open to lending to them. Even those that are willing to lend to them, they will each have their own criteria.