Landlord Blog

HMOs (House of Multiple Occupation) first gained popularity as student accommodations – often basic, shared houses where students could live together at an affordable monthly rent. However, as the law began to focus more on the safety and condition of

Step into 2024 and prepare to turn your HMO into an expression of distinct individuality. This year, the world of interior design is alive with excitement and change, as we move away from cookie-cutter designs and towards originality and personality. Tenants

When renting out a room in your HMO, the last thing you want to do is fall prey to tenancy fraud. However, it is a real issue, with rising living costs and interest rates putting even more pressure on tenants. While

As the winter season approaches, the risk of damp and mould becomes a pressing concern for both social and private renting housing. It's essential for landlords to understand how to effectively manage these issues and ensure a comfortable living environment

HMO property management in Kent can be a complex and challenging job, especially if you’re a newcomer to the business. There are certainly more regulations and rules for HMO management than for regular buy-to-let properties. Not only that, but having

When it comes to HMO property management in Kent, one of the most crucial considerations is design. Creating living spaces for your prospective tenants that are functional but appealing too is vital. Creating a comfortable HMO space is essential in influencing

Knowing what to do and when is half the battle to maintain your property. Our comprehensive guide walks you through essential maintenance tasks for every season, ensuring your property is always a covered, whether amidst winter’s chill or summer’s glow.

At Rooms in Kent, we understand that as a landlord or letting agent, you may often come across the term "fair wear and tear." While it's a common phrase in the rental industry, it can sometimes be challenging to grasp

Bed bugs seem to be everywhere in the news lately. Reports claim that these pesky insects have even made their way on the Eurostar from Paris, invading public transport, hospitals, and inevitably, our homes. The thought alone is enough to

The government recently updated the 'How to Rent' guide in October 2023 to include the new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, providing tenants with legal advice on housing and possessions. This blog post emphasises the significance of this update for

In a recent announcement from the government, Prime Minister; Rishi Sunak has now pledged to scrap policies that would force landlords to upgrade energy efficiency in their investment properties by 2025; meaning new tenancies would only be possible on properties

Have you ever had a tenant leave personal belongings behind after moving out? As an HMO landlord, it can be tricky to know how to proceed in such situations. It's important to understand your legal obligations and act accordingly. In

Welcome to the exciting world of owning a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) property in Kent! With an HMO property, you have the opportunity to generate higher rental income by renting out individual rooms to tenants. Creating a positive tenant experience

Are you a HMO landlord in Kent feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing landscape of property management? In today's world, being an HMO landlord in Kent comes with its fair share of challenges. From new regulations to evolving tenant expectations, it's

Are you an HMO landlord looking to maximize the occupancy rates in your property? HMO property management in Kent can be a rewarding investment, but it also requires careful attention to ensure a steady stream of tenants. As a HMO landlord,

HMO management can be a time-consuming and challenging task, so it isn’t surprising that an increasing number of landlords are now looking for a trusted HMO property management company in Kent to take over the running of their investment. When it

If you’re a new landlord, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. What, at face value, seems to be a relatively straightforward transaction between two parties - you and your tenant - quickly morphs

You may have noticed that we've got a new look. We've refreshed our logo and branding, updated our website and social media accounts, and made some other changes to make it easier for you to find what you need when

Who Is Responsible For Pest Control Eradication In HMO Rentals? As a HMO landlord in Kent you’ve likely got a lot to deal with. So, if your tenants experience a pest infestation, it can be tempting to let them resolve the

The Renters' Reform Bill is expected to be "the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in a generation", according to the government. The measure has the potential to alter the rental sector, with significant implications for landlords and tenants.

Some HMO landlords in Kent believe that increasing numbers of properties are now being disaggregated to allow councils to raise more money in tax. If disaggregation occurs, tenants in HMOs must pay council tax individually instead of you paying it

Over the past few years, there has been a change in HMO tenants’ expectations and many young professionals are seeking out HMOs in Kent that have a high standard of amenities, with ensuite bathrooms high on their list of priorities! We

If you’re a HMO landlord in Kent ready to sell your property, you may wonder whether you can transfer your existing HMO licence to its next owner. Alternatively, you may be considering taking over an existing HMO in Kent and be

If you’re a HMO landlord in Kent, you may have heard recent news reports that tenants are increasingly seeking properties to rent that have all-inclusive bills. With that in mind, you may be wondering; should I include bills in my HMO

Whether you’re an existing HMO landlord or are keen to invest in a house of multiple occupation in Kent, you need to be sure you’ve chosen the right property for your project. Select well and you’ll have a great investment! But

Landlords Guide To Making Tax Digital (MTD): All You Need To Know Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) comes into effect on April 6th, 2024. MTD is part of the government's 10-year plan to modernise the tax

As a HMO landlord in Kent how often are you carrying out inspections on your properties? If you’re managing a large portfolio, your answer might be, “not often enough.” Yet regular property health checks are crucial for maximising your long-term

The government adopted the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 in reaction to the Grenfell Tower disaster, establishing additional obligations for some landlords. The intention of this legislation is to reduce the risk of death or injury from fire.   Who do the regulations

The roof is one of those parts of the house that can frighten its owners just by saying its name. Understandable, given how important our roofs are

If you’re an HMO landlord, you must be aware of the UK government’s space standards, even if your property doesn’t require a license. Space standards have been established to ensure HMO tenants can enjoy sufficient comfortable living space when residing in

Over the past few years HMO landlords in England have seen an increase in demand for high-end properties that offer better features and amenities. Professional tenants today have greater expectations than ever before and are keen to get maximum value for

If you’re ready to build a highly successful HMO business in Kent you need to know what to prioritise and may be asking, ‘how do I get the most from my HMO?’ With so much to think about and do as

Are you an HMO landlord in Kent and finding yourself in a challenging position right now? The cost of living is on the rise, inflation is skyrocketing, and running your property portfolio is becoming more costly all the time.  So, it isn’t

A Legionella risk assessment is an essential part of being a landlord, but it receives far less attention than many of the other legal requirements and responsibilities that landlords face. The wording of the legislation governing Legionella testing has also caught

Keeping investment properties in excellent condition should be high on the priority list for landlords. Maintenance can be expensive, so finding a happy medium between cutting costs and keeping your property in good condition can be difficult. Landlords who know how

If you are a private landlord with several tenants living in one property, you may own a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). If this is the case, you must apply for an HMO licence through the local authority where your property

According to a recent Gas Safe Register study, one in every four homes in the UK has a potentially dangerous gas appliance, with the potential for life-threatening consequences such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Landlords and

Many coaches, mentors, and classrooms will tell aspiring HMO investors to “STAY OUT OF ARTICLE 4 AREAS!” But, in reality, things aren’t so black and white. But what exactly is an Article 4? What is an Article 4? In layman’s terms, Article

Taking on a new tenant can be a stressful experience. You want to make sure you rent to the best possible candidate, but you’re also aware of the age-old adage “time is money,” which can make landlords want to rush

The private rented sector, particularly the HMO market, has seen increased demand, resulting in rising rents. Simultaneously, landlords are experiencing a decrease in void periods, which assists investors in minimising the time that rooms sit empty. In this blog, we’ll discuss

Whether you’ve already invested in a HMO in England or whether you’re considering taking the plunge, you’re sure to want to make a success of your investment. Managing a HMO can be complex and finding ways to ensure your property business

Did you know that if you are a HMO landlord in England who is running an assured shorthold tenancy, you must register the tenants’ deposits in one of the government-backed protection schemes? Three of these schemes exist, each one offering different

For many property investors, the idea of renting out an HMO in Kent is an appealing one. After all, an HMO can typically bring in a higher rate every month than a single let property. However, HMOs present their fair

If you’re an HMO landlord you’re probably aware of the problems that void periods can cause. Although all landlords experience voids from time to time, there are several things you can do to minimise your chances of suffering from extended

GDPR, or General Data Protection Regulation, to give it its full name, applies to how consumers’ personal data is processed and collected.  Essentially, anybody holding or processing personal data must be compliant with GDPR legislation, and that includes HMO landlords in

As an HMO landlord, you’re no doubt very aware of your legal obligations. However, as the law is always changing and the regulations are constantly being updated, it can be difficult to stay on top of legal requirements.  Although maintaining compliance

When renting out an HMO property, it’s imperative to collect your tenants’ rent payments each month in a timely manner. Unfortunately, this is something that many landlords struggle with.  If your tenants aren’t paying up on time, one solution is of

Unfortunately, from time to time, people experience a dispute of some type with their neighbours. However, as an HMO landlord, problems between your tenants and the people living in the surrounding properties can prove highly problematic.  As a landlord, do you

HMOs, or houses of multiple occupation, are tenancies where several tenants from different households live in one property, sharing living facilities like bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. HMOs are a popular choice amongst landlords in Kent since they can bring

HMO landlords in Kent often believe there’s no such thing as a perfect tenant. In fact, one of the most challenging things about renting an HMO property is sourcing suitable tenants! To maximise your ROI, you need to ensure you’ve found tenants