Articles
Fire Doors
Understanding the Importance of Fire Doors Fire doors play a critical role in protecting lives and property by preventing the spread of fire and smoke. In the UK, approximately 3 million fire doors are installed annually. However, a staggering 99% of these doors fail...
Turning a 6-Bed HMO into a 7-Bed HMO
Many landlords assume that increasing the number of rooms in their HMO is simply a case of notifying the council and updating their HMO license. Wrong. If you're converting a C4 HMO (6 occupants or fewer) into a Sui Generis HMO (7 or more occupants), you need full...
Electric Heaters in HMOs
Electric heaters are a popular choice for supplementary heating in residential properties due to their convenience, portability, and relatively low upfront cost. However, their use in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) presents unique challenges. For landlords and...
Understanding the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is one of the most critical pieces of legislation governing fire safety in the UK. Designed to consolidate various fire safety laws into a unified framework, the RRO applies to almost all non-domestic premises,...
Heating-in-HMOs
Managing an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) comes with unique challenges, and one of the most critical issues is maintaining adequate heating in the property. The balance between providing tenants with a comfortable living environment and ensuring that heating...
Smoke Seals in Fire Doors for HMOs
Fire safety in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is a critical concern for landlords and property managers. Fire doors play a key role in preventing fire and smoke from spreading, giving occupants valuable time to escape. However, one frequently debated aspect of...
The Buy-to-Let Investor
The buy-to-let (BTL) property market has long been a favoured investment avenue for many in the UK. From supplementing incomes to building long-term wealth, property investment continues to attract individuals seeking financial independence. However, BTL investors are...
What is a “Trusted Person” in HMO licencing
Managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) involves navigating a complex web of regulations, and for landlords, ensuring compliance can sometimes be overwhelming. This is where a "trusted person" steps in—a vital figure in HMO licencing who takes on the...
The Risks of Over Trimming Fire Doors:
Fire doors play a critical role in protecting lives and properties, particularly in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) where multiple families or tenants reside. They are specifically designed to withstand fire for a certain duration (e.g. 30 minutes), allowing...
HMO Investments in Article 4 Areas
Buying a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in a London borough like Lewisham, which has an Article 4 Direction in place, can be a rewarding investment—but it comes with its own challenges. Here, we outline our experience purchasing an unlicensed HMO in an Article 4...