What today’s tenants value most in HMOs

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – sometimes referred to as multi-lets or room rentals – have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Once regarded as a low tier of accommodation, often associated with poor standards, many HMOs are now modern, well-presented, and as desirable as high-quality single lets or flat shares. 

While standards once varied depending on whether tenants were students, casual workers, or young professionals, today’s market generally expects high-quality fixtures, furnishings, and décor across all tenant groups. 

That said, local demand should always guide investment decisions. In some areas, the best returns come from providing a boutique hotel feel with en-suite facilities in most rooms. In others, where property values are lower, a simpler set-up may be more financially appropriate. 

Broadly, here are the key features tenants now look for in HMOs:

With hybrid and remote working now common, tenants increasingly seek double bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate a desk and provide sufficient electrical sockets. It is also essential to check local authority guidelines for minimum room sizes for bedrooms.

En-suite shower rooms remain a strong selling point. Tenants are often willing to pay more for private facilities, provided the installation does not compromise bedroom space. 

One of the advantages of HMOs is the opportunity for larger communal areas compared with smaller individual flats or bedsits. To enhance this, landlords can: 

• Choose light, neutral colours for walls, ceilings, and woodwork, while reserving bolder shades for feature walls. 

• Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and create a sense of depth. 

• Hang artwork and mirrors in orientations that add visual height or width. 

• Opt for wide-board, wood-effect flooring and run the same finish through communal areas to create flow. 

Reliable, high-capacity WiFi is an essential feature, with boosters recommended to ensure full coverage. Tenants also value USB charging ports alongside standard sockets. Increasingly, smart locks for bedrooms – operated by codes, apps, or biometrics – are seen as practical solutions, making access management easier and avoiding the challenges of lost keys. 

Modern tenants expect access to a large-capacity washing machine and separate tumble dryer. Where possible, a ventilated space for drying laundry is ideal, preventing tenants from drying clothes in bedrooms or communal areas, which can lead to damp and mould issues. 

Access to outdoor space has become a priority. Where HMOs benefit from gardens, providing quality outdoor furniture can add value. But even in properties without large gardens, options such as balconies or courtyards can make a really meaningful difference to tenant appeal. 

Bikes, sports equipment and other bulky items are common among HMO tenants. Offering secure storage solutions, such as a lockable shed or garage, helps keep bedrooms clutter-free and adds an extra layer of practicality. 

As mentioned in the introduction, the days where sub-standard HMOs were fairly common have passed. The more of these features a property can provide, the more attractive it becomes to prospective tenants. This can result in faster lets, reduced void periods, and a stronger choice of applicants. 

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