Bristol Weekly Magazine 17th - 23rd February 2022

HMO INSPECTIONS At a recent HMO inspection, with a Senior HMO Inspector for Bristol City Council, we were really chuffed to receive comments such as “…I’ve never seen this document on an HMO Board before, that’s a real gold star” and “… rarely if ever do I see properties as well managed as this, you should be really proud.”

We work hard, we make it our business to keep abreast of compliance and we communicate with our Landlords and Tenants often and well – but it is always gratifying to have your work appreciated, nonetheless.

Remember that Inspections should be an opportunity for you to work with the HMO Inspector, to provide a superior product and to ensure that everyone is kept safe; they should be on the same “page” as you and, if you are on top of your game, up to date with compliance and regulations and doing your job properly, then there is absolutely no Rental yields for HMOs can be impressive reason why this shouldn’t be the case. We’ve and significantly higher than other property models. Demand is high in certain areas, with had occasions where officers were incorrect about issues and, where we’ve asked for City rents being beyond the reach of many clarification ourselves – everyone is human, and tenants new to an area choosing co-living, as a way to make new friends and renting and regulations change often and can be confusing. well into their thirties and beyond.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see whyProperty Investors choose HMOs, as there is a plentiful market for them and they achieve good returns.

However, HMOs are heavily regulated and compliance heavy and they are certainly not easy money! Many Landlords find it hard to keep up to date with ever changing compliance and are constantly concerned about falling foul of regulations and getting into hot water with their local authority.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why lots of Landlords view HMO Inspections and HMO Officers in the same way as some people view root canal and a trip to the dentist!

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