Our simple Guide to Room Sizes in HMO’s

If you’re renting out a house where different people share rooms and facilities, known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), it’s important to know the rules about room sizes. These rules help make sure that everyone living there has enough space to be comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll explain why room sizes matter, what the rules are in England, and some easy tips for making the most of your space. As Bristol letting Agents, we have to ensure compliance on any properties we manage.

Why Room Sizes Are Important

Room sizes in HMOs are important because they affect how comfortable and happy your tenants will be. If rooms are too small, it can feel cramped and uncomfortable. Tenants might not be happy and could decide to move out, or worse, they might complain to the council. On the other hand, if you follow the rules, your tenants are more likely to stay longer, which is good for your business.

The Rules for Room Sizes in England

In England, there are specific rules about how big rooms need to be in HMOs. These rules are there to make sure that everyone has enough space to live comfortably. Here are the key rules:

1. Rooms for One Person (Over 10 Years Old):

• The room needs to be at least 6.51 square meters in size. That’s about the size of a small bedroom in a 1930’s house.

1. Rooms for Two People Sharing:

• If two adults are sharing a room, it needs to be at least 10.22 square meters.

1. Rooms for Children (Under 10 Years Old):

• If a child under 10 is living in the room, it needs to be at least 4.64 square meters.

These measurements are important to make sure everyone has enough space to sleep, move around, and store their belongings.

How to Measure Room Sizes

When you measure the size of a room, you should only count the space where the ceiling is high enough for someone to stand up. If part of the room has a low ceiling, like in a loft, you can’t count that space. Also, if there are built-in cupboards or wardrobes that can’t be moved, you shouldn’t include them in the room size either.

1. Use Smart Furniture:

• Consider using furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, beds with drawers underneath or foldable desks can save space and make the room feel bigger.

1. Arrange Furniture Well:

• Placing furniture against the walls and using shelves can help make the room feel more open and spacious. This can be important in smaller rooms.

1. Furnishing the Room:

• Even though it’s not required by law, providing things like curtains, bedding, and some kitchen essentials can make your property more attractive to tenants. A well-furnished room can help you charge a bit more rent and keep tenants happy.

1. Check Room Sizes Regularly:

• It’s a good idea to check the room sizes regularly, especially after you make any changes or renovations. Keeping a record of these measurements can be helpful if you ever need to prove that your property meets the rules.

1. Get Expert Help:

• If you’re not sure whether your property meets the room size requirements, you can ask a property manager or an HMO expert for help. They can give you advice on how to make the best use of your space and help with the licensing process.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules

If you don’t follow the rules about room sizes, there could be serious consequences. The local council can take action against you, which might include fines or even taking away your HMO license. This could mean you’re not allowed to rent out the property anymore. It’s also possible that tenants could take legal action if they feel their living conditions aren’t good enough.

Bristol is a city where room sizes in HMOs are closely watched because there are many shared houses. The council in Bristol has strict rules, similar to the national ones, but they also pay attention to shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms. These communal areas need to be big enough for all the tenants to use comfortably. View the Bristol City Council regulations on HMO room sizes.

If you’re a landlord in Bristol, it’s important to make sure that not only the bedrooms but also the communal areas meet the required standards. This is especially important in areas where there are a lot of HMOs, as the council will be paying close attention to these properties.

Conclusion

Room sizes in HMOs are a crucial part of making sure your tenants are happy and your property is compliant with the law. In England, the rules are clear about how big rooms need to be, and it’s important to follow these rules to avoid penalties and keep your tenants satisfied.

By understanding these requirements and using some simple strategies to make the most of your space, you can create a safe, comfortable, and attractive living environment for your tenants. Regularly checking your property and staying informed about the rules will help you maintain a successful and legally compliant HMO.