A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), is a property that is let out to more then three tenants. These tenants have private bedrooms, but they share other rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. The lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. If people refer to a HMO by using the terms 'flat share' and 'houseshare' they mean an HMO.
HMOs can prove more challenging to manage than traditional buy and let models. HMOs are often shared by tenants, so it is possible for tenants to fall out. A mediator may be needed between tenants who aren't on the same page.
HMOs: What are the benefits? - Less "impactful voids": A gap between tenants at a single occupancy house can be as little as one month. This allows you to make repairs, redecorate, and view the property, without any rent coming in. The rent received from other tenants can be reduced with an HMO. Your costs could be more tax-deductible than a standard BTL.
These potential benefits come with higher risks. It's more likely that you will have a higher turnover than traditional buy-to -let tenants. And every additional tenant is another unknown (e.g. They will pay the rent. Are they causing damage? They can cause legal disputes. You will also require a specialist mortgage.
Students: Can have their rent paid by their parents. Usually, they have a set length of tenancy.
A traditional buy to rent model would typically house a household or even a group of people who have made the decision to live together. Disputes are resolved in the home without having to go to the landlord. This is why landlords usually have an HMO type. It could be student buy to let, or an HMO for professionals only.
A single agreement can be used by landlords to manage HMO properties. Or, each tenant can have their own contract.