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HMOs need a license from the local council where the property is located. This licence must be valid for five year. It is important to check with the local authority about the area's policy. Although five-person properties are the most common, smaller properties that have fewer tenants may also need a license. It varies depending on where you live so it is important to get all information before applying.
Young buyers are still unable to afford a home, so the demand for affordable rented accommodation is high. You can check the local listings sites (Gumtree and Zoopla) to see how strong the demand is from prospective tenants.
Landlords may manage their HMO property using a single "joint & severally liable" agreement or one for each tenant.
HMOs are an investment opportunity. HMOs offer fewer "impactful empty spaces": The gap between tenants of a single-occupancy property can be no more than one month. This allows for repairs and redecorating as well as viewings. Rent does not come in. You can reduce your losses by having an HMO where the rent is paid by the remaining tenants. A higher percentage of your expenses may be exempted from tax than a standard BTL.
Lenders can accept evidence of a HMO license application in lieu the actual licence. This can take more time and it is not always practical. Accordingly, you could be deemed "fit and proper" to run an HMO under the condition of having the license. However, it is best to have your licence available so that the underwriting process can be expedited at the application stage.
What is an HMO? A house in multiple occupancy (HMO) refers to a property that has shared facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. It is usually rented out to three or four people, but not as a "household". A licence is not required to operate a standard HMO that has four or fewer tenants. However, HMOs have different requirements than buy-to-let mortgages that are used for whole-property rentals.