Shared Living - Your Guide To HMO House Rules For Tenants

What is an HMO?

Ever wondered what HMO housing is? A House in Multiple Occupations is a rented property which has more than three people living in it and forms two or more households and shares the facilities of the accommodation, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and electricity. A house in multiple occupations can be an entire flat or a house that has been converted into any kind of accommodation or a building which has been converted into flats. In simple terms, a house with multiple occupations is a house which is rented to two or more people not belonging to the same household. 

If a house is occupied by two couples (4 people) – it is not considered an HMO. However, if a third person or couple is added, then it is called an HMO. Continue reading to explore the various HMO house rules for tenants and the HMO regulations, a few tips for a pleasant stay, and much more!

Understanding the HMO House Rules for Tenants

The government has set a few HMO house rules for tenants that are supposed to be complied with by the tenants as well as the landlords. For example, it is important for the landlord to ensure that the accommodation is safe and secure to live in and must complete regular safety checks. At the same time, the HMO rules require tenants to be responsible for everything the landlord has provided. The main purpose of these HMO house rules for tenants is to ensure the efficient management of the HMO as well as a comfortable and pleasant stay! 

Common HMO Rules and Regulations

While every landlord is required to follow and implement a set of rules while renting the accommodation, the HMO house rules for tenants also require the members to comply with these guidelines to ensure mutual harmony between the two. Here are a few HMO rules that you’ll find useful if you plan on moving to the UK soon:

1. Repair Your Own Belongings

HMO tenants are expected to fund the repairs for their own electric or other appliances. These items do not fall under the landlord’s responsibility. 

2. Maintain The Appearance of the Accommodation

Most landlords expect the tenants not to make any drastic changes to the appearance of the house or flat. For example, some landlords may not permit the tenants to change the colour of the walls or create another bedroom out of a large living space. However, small reasonable changes are acceptable and can be negotiated at the time of the agreement. 

3. Treat It As YOUR Home

Keeping the house or flat clean goes without saying. No landlord would want their house messy or unkempt if they are renting it out. HMO tenants are expected to keep the house as clean and presentable as they would their own homes!

4. Updating the Landlord about Necessary Repairs

The landlord is responsible for ensuring all major repair work is taken care of. For example, pipe bursts, drainage concerns, main electrical work, and so on must be informed to the landlord if repairs are needed. However, the tenants must only take care of small repairs like changing light bulbs or cleaning clogged drains. 

5. Providing Access to Your Landlord for Repair Work

If there is a need for major repair work at the accommodation, the HMO tenants must grant access to the maintenance specialists to complete the work. Denying access can lead to misunderstandings and inconvenience for both parties. 

6. Damage to Other Flats

If the accommodation is in a building and your flat has caused damage to another flat, the costs for repair must be borne by you only. For example, the landlord will not cover the cost of repairing damages from a water leakage problem that has affected another flat. 

HMO tenants must also be responsible for checking the flat or house before they agree to stay there. If there are major problems in the accommodation that the landlord must repair, the tenants must inform the landlord about it as quickly as possible. 

What does the landlord take care of?

The landlord of the accommodation is expected to repair any and all major damages in the flat. This work can be done before or even after the tenants have started living on the premises. The exact terms of this can be discussed during the agreement. Here are a few responsibilities borne solely by the landlord:

1. Electrical wiring
2. Structures and framework of the accommodation
3. Water and gas pipes
4. Sinks, basins, and baths
5. Pest control
6. Heating 

A Few Tips For New Tenants:

The process of moving into a new house can be exciting and scary at the same time. Here are a few tips that can make settling into a new house smoother for you so you can make the most of your stay while adhering to the HMO rules in mind:

1. Learn Everything Before Shifting

It is advised that you thoroughly go through every part of the house before you make a decision to move in. Ask all the important questions and gather all the information you can to avoid misunderstandings later!‍

2. Keep The Lines Of Communication Clear

Some of the most common problems that tenants and landlords face is misunderstanding. Due to this, your living experience could turn unpleasant. Make sure you discuss all the HMO house rules and concerns not only with your landlord but also with your housemates. 

3. Try Implementing A Chore-Wheel‍

A chore wheel can work beautifully in an HMO house setting as all the tasks can get fairly divided amongst all the members of the house. This can help in avoiding grievances between households/members. 

4. Be Mindful Of Utility Sharing and Usage

Every utility in the house would be shared equally between all the members. Being mindful of the usage can help in saving extra costs as well. 

5. Respect Privacy

In order to have a pleasant living experience, it is important to keep in mind your own and the other tenants’ privacy. 

Living in an HMO can be a challenging but eventful experience. To make the most of your experience in this setting, it is essential for both the tenants and the landlords to follow the HMO house rules and HMO regulations to maintain harmony. As discussed, following these HMO house rules for tenants can truly benefit by reducing conflicts among tenants and promoting personal growth as well. So, to conclude, we wish you all the best in finding the right accommodation for you and an enriching experience!