Types of Houses in Multiple Occupation

Finding the right student accommodation can be one of the most important decisions during university life. Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) offer a unique solution, providing flexible, affordable, and community-oriented living arrangements for students and young professionals alike. From shared houses and bedsits to self-contained flats, HMOs cater to a variety of lifestyles and budgets while fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of HMOs, their key features, and what makes each one suitable for specific student needs. We’ll also cover safety standards, licensing requirements, and tips for choosing the right property. Whether you value privacy, independence, or a lively social environment, understanding HMOs will help you make informed housing choices and enjoy a comfortable, secure, and enjoyable student life.

Houses in multiple occupations

Houses in multiple occupations (HMO) provide a wide range of possibilities for people looking for a feeling of community and cost-effective living arrangements in a society where connections and shared experiences are becoming more and more important. These many housing types, which span from thriving cities to charming college towns, may accommodate a wide range of requirements and tastes. In this blog, we'll examine the many types of houses with numerous tenants, highlighting their distinctive qualities and the thriving neighborhoods where they live.

Categories of houses in multiple occupations

Houses in multiple occupations are where the walls echo with stories, laughter, and the lively energy of student life. Finding the ideal place to call home as a student involves more than simply a place to live; it also involves the relationships and experiences that will define the college years. So, without any further ado let’s get into the blog and discover the types of houses in multiple occupations, each of which offers a special experience for students like you!

1. Bedsit student HMO

The type of property which offers separate rooms, incomplete essentials (private kitchen or private bathroom), and floor-by-floor rentals are known as bedsit-type houses in multiple occupations. Each bedsit or rental is rented to a different tenant under a different tenancy agreement. Residents of these student HMOs do not have strong or distinguishing bonds with one another. The kitchens in the bedsits can be private, communal, or a combination of both. Depending on the size and needs of the bedsits, there may or may not be a communal living or eating area, as well as shared bathrooms and toilets. Bedsit-type HMO student accommodation, in contrast to shared houses, involves less communal living among tenants, and each renting typically has its own locked door.

2. Shared houses and shared flats 

Shared housing student HMOs are houses that are wholly rented out to a compatible group of residents, such as coworkers from the same business or college students. Each person has their own bedroom, but they all share the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and other areas of the house. Despite the fact that they are sharing a home, all renters have complete legal possession and control over the entire property, including the bedrooms. Since they all rented the home together, there is typically a lot of social interaction among the residents. All tenants' names are normally listed in a shared tenancy agreement.

Do you know about the types of HMO properties in the UK? Check out the article to explore it all!

3. Household with lodgers

This kind of house in multiple occupations fosters a familiar community by having a resident landlord rent out rooms within the building to three or more occupants. Being a member of a household with lodgers means joining a loving family. Each student of this HMO student accommodation has their own private room, offering privacy and comfort. However, communal amenities like the kitchen, restrooms, and dining rooms encourage a sense of togetherness among the guests. As students gather around the dining table and eat meals that have been prepared at home, mealtimes become cherished opportunities for interaction. Together, people enjoy festivals, forging bonds between people of different backgrounds and cultures and fostering a sense of belonging.

4. Mixture of rooms and flats

The residence offers a wide selection of lodging options in a student HMO with a mixture of rooms and flats. But what really distinguishes this group is how independent living and shared communal spaces are combined. In a mixture of rooms and flats HMO student accommodation; students share a cozy kitchen, common living areas, and restrooms. This category can accommodate a variety of preferences, whether you like a cozy single bedroom or a roomy double bedroom. Additionally, a few of the student HMOs have been changed into single-occupancy units, offering a complete haven of privacy. 

5. Bed and breakfast hotels

Houses in multiple occupations classified as a bed and breakfast must not be a standalone building. It could have communal amenities like restrooms, sinks for individual use, or kitchens. Although primarily designed for short-term guests, students may find these homey places to be a good option, especially in an emergency or when there aren't many other accommodation options. The smallest time feasible should be spent utilizing them, according to local authorities. Bed and Breakfast accommodations are typically inappropriate for young students between the ages of 16 and 17, especially in cases of emergency. However, they should only be used in cases when there are no other workable alternatives available. They are not a replacement for long-term housing.

6. Self contained flats

Self-contained flats provide the ideal answer for students looking for independent living in the shape of comfortable, private residences. These apartments are located in converted structures that may not have complied with building codes from 1991, yet each apartment in the building has private amenities, such as a kitchen and bathroom/WC, behind a single door. Self-contained apartments are distinguished by the fact that each unit functions as a separate home with its own kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, guaranteeing total privacy for its tenants. For students who value their own space and want to be a part of a supportive community, this is the best choice. It is significant to highlight that long-leaseholders who own their residence are not subject to the same severe enforcement of the criteria of space and layout. 

To get clarity about HMO licensing, you can check out our article on HMO licensing requirements in the UK.

Houses with several occupations fall into different kinds and each one offers a distinctive way of life. These HMO student accommodation cater to a variety of requirements and tastes, whether it be the close-knit companionship of shared home HMOs, the independence of bedsit-type HMOs, or the warmth of a household with lodgers. To maintain compliance and safety in these shared living spaces, landlords, owners, and tenants must all have a thorough understanding of these categories and their corresponding features.

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Section 257 & Converted-Building HMOs

When considering older HMOs or converted buildings, it’s important to understand Section 257. These properties may have unique compliance challenges, and knowing the rules ensures safety, legal tenancy, and a comfortable living environment for students.

• Older buildings converted to HMOs may fall under Section 257 of the Housing Act.
• Compliance issues: Fire safety, room sizes, and sanitation may not meet modern standards.
• Safety first: Landlords must provide alarms, emergency exits, heating, and safe electrical setups.
• Licensing: Some converted HMOs still require a license depending on tenant numbers and shared facilities.
• Student advice: Check for safety certificates, council approvals, and inspections before renting.

Rely on amber for Student Housing!

Looking for the perfect HMO student accommodation? Amber makes it easy to explore and compare Houses in Multiple Occupations across the UK. Whether you’re searching for a bedsit for privacy, a shared house for social living, or a self-contained flat for independence, amber provides detailed listings with all the essential information, rent, amenities, commute times, and neighborhood insights. You can filter properties based on your preferences, check HMO compliance and licensing, and even see reviews from current tenants. With amber, finding safe, affordable, and convenient HMO housing that fits your lifestyle has never been simpler.

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