HMO Inspections

from Bristol Weekly Magazine 17th - 23rd February 2022

Primary school gains accreditation

Rental yields for HMOs can be impressive and significantly higher than other property models. Demand is high in certain areas, with City rents being beyond the reach of many and tenants new to an area choosing co-living, as a way to make new friends and renting 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! 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 reason why this shouldn’t be the case. We’ve had occasions where officers were incorrect about issues and, where we’ve asked for clarification ourselves – everyone is human, and regulations change often and can be confusing.

If your car is serviced regularly, well looked after and your tax and insurance are up to date, then you have no reason to dread an MOT – this should be the same with an HMO Inspection. Get it right, take it seriously, keep everyone safe and you’ll be surprised how much of a breeze it will all feel!

Here are some of our top tips to make HMO Inspections less daunting: • Keep on top of Compliance and

Regulations. Find a good, reliable source – whether that’s online, face to face networking, a subscription, trawling the internet, engaging a qualified and experienced HMO Managing Agent – whatever works for you, take the time and make the effort, know your regs – you cannot outsource your responsibility and it’s your name on the title deeds and your tenants, make sure you know how to keep them, your property and yourself safe!

• Carry out regular inspections. Don’t rely on your “good relationship with the tenants”. Learn what to look for and do it regularly. Keep on top of maintenance.

That old adage of “a stitch in time saves nine” is so true here. Know your local council’s Code of Best Practice and respond in a timely fashion to maintenance requests. • Run a tight ship – good and effective communication keeps everyone happy, safe and knowing where they stand and what to expect. • Foster an environment of open communication with your tenants wherever possible, where they can come to you if things go wrong, or something gets broken (either due to wear and tear or accidental damage) without fear of reprisal. Not being told about an issue through fear of blame, which has escalated, can be far more dangerous and/or costly than knowing about it at the outset.

Take the time, treat your property portfolio like a business and keep up to date with compliance and regulations. If you do things properly and your HMO is managed efficiently and safely then you have nothing to feel apprehensive about, when it comes to Inspections!