Tag Archives: landlord

Shortage of 1-Bedroom Homes in Wales: Why HMO Demand is Rising in Cardiff

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Wales is currently facing a shortage of 1-bedroom homes, leaving many tenants—especially young professionals, students, and single individuals—struggling to find affordable housing. With rental demand increasing and availability decreasing, Cardiff landlords have a unique opportunity to meet this growing need by investing in and optimising Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

At Rooms in Cardiff, we specialise in HMO management, ensuring landlords maximise rental income while providing high-quality, affordable accommodation for tenants in Cardiff. Plus, 10% of our management fees go towards supporting vulnerable individuals facing homelessness. 🏡💙

Why is There a Shortage of 1-Bedroom Homes in Wales?

🏠 High Demand, Low Supply – More young professionals and single renters are seeking self-contained homes, but the supply simply isn’t keeping up.

💰 Rising Rental Costs – Increased property prices and mortgage rates mean 1-bed flats are becoming too expensive for many renters.

🚧 Planning & Development Restrictions – The slow rate of new housing developments in Cardiff and across Wales is limiting the supply of small, affordable homes.

🔀 Larger Homes, Fewer Options – Many landlords own larger properties, making it difficult to meet the demand for affordable single-living spaces.

How This Benefits Cardiff HMO Landlords

With 1-bedroom flats in short supply, more tenants are turning to shared accommodation as an affordable alternative. This means HMO properties in Cardiff are more in demand than ever. 📈🏡

Why HMOs Are the Perfect Solution

✅ Increased Demand – More single renters are actively looking for high-quality rooms in shared houses.

✅ Higher Rental Yields – HMOs typically generate higher rental income compared to single-let properties.

✅ Reduced Vacancy Rates – With tenants struggling to find 1-bed homes, landlords can expect consistent occupancy.

✅ Flexible Tenant Base – HMOs attract students, young professionals, NHS staff, and key workers, ensuring a steady flow of renters.

✅ Cost-Effective for Tenants – Many renters prefer shared housing due to lower rental costs compared to renting a full 1-bed apartment.

With the right property management team, Cardiff HMO landlords can take full advantage of this shift in demand while ensuring their properties are well-maintained, compliant, and profitable.

How Rooms in Cardiff Can Help You Maximise Your HMO Investment

At Rooms in Cardiff, we offer expert HMO management services to help landlords make the most of their properties. We take care of tenant sourcing, rent collection, property maintenance, and compliance—so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day hassles of being an HMO landlord.

💙 Giving Back to Cardiff
When you partner with Rooms in Cardiff, you’re also making a difference. 10% of our management fees go directly to supporting homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness in Cardiff through local initiatives like Homeless Evolution.

Are You a Cardiff Landlord? Let’s Talk!

📩 Want to take advantage of the rising demand for HMOs in Cardiff? We can help! Complete our short contact form today and let’s discuss how we can maximise your rental income while providing much-needed housing in Cardiff.

🔄 Like, Share & Tag a Cardiff landlord who needs to see this!

#HMOCardiff #CardiffLandlords #RoomsInCardiff #HMOManagement #CardiffProperty #WalesHousingCrisis #RentingInCardiff #PropertyInvestmentWales #CardiffRentals #HomelessSupportCardiff

The Problem with Fixed-Term Occupation Contracts: What Cardiff HMO Landlords Need to Know

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If you’re a Cardiff HMO landlord, you’re probably well aware of the challenges that come with managing multiple tenants under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. One of the biggest issues? Fixed-Term Occupation Contracts.

While they might seem like a straightforward way to secure tenancies, they come with hidden complexities that can cause headaches for landlords. On the other hand, Periodic Occupation Contracts offer greater flexibility, fewer administrative burdens, and better legal protection.

So, should you ditch fixed-term contracts and opt for periodic contracts instead? Let’s break it down.

Why Fixed-Term Occupation Contracts Are a Problem for HMO Landlords

Originally, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 was designed to use only periodic contracts. However, fixed-term contracts were later introduced—but they come with several downsides for landlords.

🔴 Key Issues with Fixed-Term Contracts:

🚨 More Paperwork: Every time a fixed-term contract ends, landlords must issue a new written statement.

📜 Legislated Default Rules: When a fixed-term contract rolls into a periodic contract, some agreed-upon terms reset to the default rules—for example, permitted occupiers and inventory obligations.

🔄 Loss of Landlord Rights: Once a fixed term ends, landlords lose certain rights, such as modifying supplementary terms (e.g., restricting occupiers).

📈 No Automatic Rent Increases: You can’t increase rent during a fixed-term contract unless the tenant agrees. With a periodic contract, rent can be reviewed after 12 months.

❌ Resets Legal Notices: If you’ve served a rent arrears or anti-social behaviour notice during a fixed-term contract, you can’t rely on it once the contract is renewed—it’s like starting from scratch!

For HMO landlords, these issues can lead to more paperwork, reduced control, and a lack of flexibility when managing tenants.

Why Periodic Occupation Contracts Are a Better Option

✅ Less Admin Work – A periodic contract never needs renewing, meaning no hassle with reissuing written statements.

✅ Continuous Flexibility – Any modifications to key tenancy terms stay valid indefinitely rather than resetting every contract cycle.

✅ Easier Evictions & Possession Proceedings – If a tenant builds up rent arrears or engages in anti-social behaviour, landlords can rely on past notices when seeking possession.

✅ Rent Increases Allowed – Unlike fixed-term contracts, periodic contracts allow landlords to increase rent after 12 months without requiring the tenant’s agreement.

✅ Easier Tenant Swaps – In HMO properties, tenants come and go. With a periodic contract, swapping tenants requires only a simple notification process—not a brand-new contract.

For most Cardiff landlords, a periodic contract makes life simpler, removes unnecessary admin work, and keeps you in control of your property.

Are There Any Downsides to Periodic Contracts?

Of course, there are some trade-offs.

❌ Less Tenant Security: A tenant can leave at any time with four weeks’ notice, which can create uncertainty in your rental income.

❌ Joint Tenancy Risks: If you’re renting to multiple tenants under one contract, a single tenant can leave with little notice, causing instability. (However, you can modify this with a two-month notice rule.)

❌ Student Lets May Require Fixed Terms: If you’re renting to students, fixed-term contracts may still be preferable, as they provide structured tenancies for the academic year.

Conclusion: Should You Ditch Fixed-Term Contracts?

For most Cardiff HMO landlords, the answer is yes.

🔹 Periodic contracts offer less hassle, greater flexibility, and stronger legal protections.
🔹 Fixed-term contracts create unnecessary admin work and can put landlords at a disadvantage if they roll over into periodic tenancies.
🔹 If you’re renting to students, fixed-term contracts may still work—but you need to be careful about the transition process.

As a Cardiff landlord, do you still prefer fixed-term contracts, or have you already switched to periodic contracts? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Ready to Simplify Your HMO Management? Let’s Talk!

At Rooms in Cardiff, we specialise in providing hassle-free, high-quality property management for Cardiff HMO landlords. If you’re tired of the admin, legal complexities, and ever-changing rental regulations, let us take the stress off your shoulders!

📩 Interested? Fill out our short Google Form and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can help maximize your rental income while keeping your property fully compliant and occupied.

💙 Make a Difference with Your Investment!
When you choose Rooms in Cardiff, you’re not just securing expert property management—you’re also giving back to the community. We proudly donate 10% of our management fees to Homeless Evolution, helping to fund Support Workers who assist Cardiff’s most vulnerable people in finding stability and housing.

👉 Let’s work together to make property management easy while making a real difference! Complete the form today!

Like, Share & Tag Another Cardiff Landlord Who Needs to See This! 🔄🏡

#CardiffLandlords #HMOCardiff #PropertyInvestment #RentingHomesWales #PeriodicContracts #HMOManagement #PropertyInvestor #RentingWales #CardiffProperty #LandlordLife #RoomsInCardiff

Room Rental Data for Cardiff in December 2024: Insights for HMO Landlords

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Are you a landlord with a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Cardiff? The rental market is thriving, and now is the perfect time to partner with a trusted expert to manage your property and maximise your investment. At RoomsInCardiff.com, we specialise in HMO property management, helping landlords like you achieve exceptional returns by renting properties on a per-room individual contract basis.

As a leading name in Cardiff’s HMO rental market, we take the stress out of managing your property while ensuring your tenants receive high-quality, well-managed accommodation. Here’s how we can help you stay ahead in Cardiff’s competitive rental market.

Cardiff Rental Market Overview for December 2024

Recent data shows the average room rental rate in Cardiff in December 2024 stood at £662 per month, while en-suite rooms commanded even higher prices, ranging between £688 and £825 per month. This reflects the growing demand for affordable yet private and comfortable living spaces.

By renting out your HMO on a per-room contract basis, you can achieve higher rental yields compared to traditional tenancy agreements. Our team at RoomsInCardiff.com specialises in managing these types of contracts, ensuring every room in your property generates maximum income.

Why Choose RoomsInCardiff.com?

Managing an HMO can be challenging, but with RoomsInCardiff.com, you gain a partner who simplifies the process and enhances your investment. Here’s what makes us Cardiff’s go-to HMO property management company:

  1. Maximised Returns: Renting HMOs on a per-room individual contract basis allows landlords to secure higher overall rental income. We’ll help you achieve full occupancy with premium rates.
  2. Stress-Free Property Management: From tenant sourcing and contract management to maintenance and compliance, we handle it all, so you don’t have to.
  3. Specialist Knowledge of Cardiff: With in-depth expertise in Cardiff’s rental market, we understand tenant needs and know how to make your property stand out.
  4. Enhanced Tenant Experience: Our hands-on approach ensures happy tenants, leading to longer stays, fewer vacancies, and consistent returns.
  5. Compliance and Safety First: HMOs come with specific regulations, and we ensure your property meets all legal requirements, so you can rent out rooms worry-free.

Why Contract holders Love Individual Room Contracts

The growing popularity of renting on a per-room basis is driven by preference. Students, young professionals, and international renters all value flexible, affordable options with added privacy. En-suite rooms are especially in demand, with contract holders willing to pay premium rates of up to £825 per month for quality accommodations.

By working with RoomsInCardiff.com, you can cater directly to this audience, ensuring your property is always in demand and achieving its full earning potential.

How RoomsInCardiff.com Maximises Your Investment

  1. Targeted Tenant Marketing: We showcase your HMO to the right audience using platforms and strategies that attract reliable tenants.
  2. Optimising Room Pricing: Using market data and trends, we ensure each room in your HMO is priced competitively to maximize returns while maintaining full occupancy.
  3. Expert Tenant Vetting: Our comprehensive vetting process guarantees trustworthy tenants, minimising risks and ensuring timely rent payments.
  4. Hands-Off Management: From day-to-day maintenance to disputes, we take care of everything while keeping you updated every step of the way.
  5. Focus on Long-Term Success: We don’t just fill rooms; we build lasting relationships with tenants and landlords, ensuring consistent returns year after year.

The Cardiff Advantage for HMO Landlords

Cardiff is one of the UK’s fastest-growing rental markets, driven by a diverse population of students, young professionals, and international tenants. HMOs are particularly popular due to their affordability and convenience.

Partnering with RoomsInCardiff.com allows you to:

  • Tap into a steady demand for rooms across Cardiff.
  • Increase your rental income by offering flexible contracts.
  • Provide a superior living experience, ensuring long-term tenant retention.

Ready to Unlock the Full Potential of Your HMO?

At RoomsInCardiff.com, we’re dedicated to helping landlords like you achieve the best possible returns. Our proven approach to HMO property management, combined with a deep understanding of Cardiff’s rental market, makes us the perfect partner for your investment.

Whether you’re a seasoned HMO landlord or new to the game, we’ll handle every aspect of your property management, ensuring it operates efficiently and profitably.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let your HMO’s potential go untapped. Partner with Cardiff’s leading HMO property management company and experience the difference we can make. Visit RoomsInCardiff.com or get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you maximize your investment returns.

Invest smartly. Rent with ease. Choose RoomsInCardiff.com.

Maximising Your Rental Income: Six Months Rent in Advance for your Cardiff HMO

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Are you a Cardiff-based HMO landlord looking to optimise your rental income while minimising management stress? Rooms in Cardiff offers a tailored HMO management service designed to cater specifically to you. Notably, we provide an exclusive advantage: upfront payment of 6 months’ rent to enhance your financial stability.

Why Trust Rooms in Cardiff for Your HMO Management?

Guaranteed Rental Income: Gain peace of mind knowing your cash flow is secured with our 6 months’ rent in advance offer. Say goodbye to worries about void periods or late payments.

Expert Property Management: Our seasoned team specialises in HMO management, ensuring your property is maintained to the highest standard while staying compliant with regulations. Focus on your other ventures while we handle the day-to-day tasks.

Strategic Tenant Placement: Leveraging advanced digital marketing techniques, we attract top-quality tenants to maximize your property’s occupancy and rental income. Our targeted approach ensures your property stands out in the Cardiff rental market.

Transparent Communication: Stay informed about your property’s performance with regular updates through our user-friendly online portal. Transparency is key to our partnership with you.

SEO Optimisation for Cardiff Landlords: Rooms in Cardiff boasts a robust online presence optimized to reach Cardiff-based HMO landlords. When you partner with us, you tap into a network tailored to your location and needs.

How to Begin Your Journey with Rooms in Cardiff:

Book a Consultation: Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your property and investment goals. We’ll tailor a management plan to suit your needs.

Leave Management to Us: Once onboard, relax as we take care of tenant sourcing, maintenance, and compliance. Our comprehensive services ensure your property operates smoothly.

Reap the Rewards: Experience the benefits of hassle-free property management and maximize your rental income with Rooms in Cardiff. Our upfront payment of 6 months’ rent gives you a head start on financial stability.

Unlock the full potential of your Cardiff HMO investment today. Use the contact form below to learn more about our Rooms in Cardiff bespoke HMO management services and secure your 6 months’ rent in advance.

Comprehensive Guide to Successful Cardiff HMO Property Management

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Introduction

Owning and managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) property in Cardiff can be a lucrative investment, but it comes with its unique challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or a newcomer to the property rental market, effective HMO property management is essential for maximising returns and ensuring a positive tenant experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key strategies to excel in Cardiff HMO property management, highlighting valuable insights for landlords and property owners.

Understanding Cardiff’s HMO Regulations

Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial when managing HMO properties in Cardiff. Familiarise yourself with the local authority’s guidelines for licensing, safety standards, and occupancy limits. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures legal operation but also contributes to tenant safety and satisfaction.

Tenant Screening and Selection

Choosing the right tenants for your Cardiff HMO property is pivotal. Implement a thorough screening process that includes background checks, rental history verification, and credit assessments. By selecting responsible tenants, you can minimise risks and maintain a harmonious living environment within the property.

Effective Rent Collection

Smooth rent collection is the backbone of successful property management. Utilise online rent payment platforms to simplify the process for both you and your tenants. Consistent and reliable rent collection practices contribute to stable cash flow and reduce administrative burdens.

Maintenance and Repairs

Prompt maintenance and repairs are crucial for tenant satisfaction and property preservation. Establish a system for addressing maintenance requests promptly. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can prevent issues from escalating, leading to higher tenant retention rates.

Property Marketing and Advertising

Attracting quality tenants requires effective property marketing. Leverage online platforms and social media to showcase your Cardiff HMO property’s unique features and benefits. High-quality photos, detailed property descriptions, and virtual tours can help prospective tenants envision themselves living in the space.

Tenant Communication and Relationship Building

Open and transparent communication with tenants fosters positive relationships. Regularly engage with tenants to address their concerns, provide updates, and ensure their needs are met. Happy tenants are more likely to stay long-term, reducing vacancy rates.

Financial Management and Reporting

Maintain accurate financial records related to your Cardiff HMO property. This includes tracking income, expenses, and property-related costs. Clear financial reporting not only helps you monitor your investment’s performance but also simplifies tax filings.

Why Choose http://www.roomsincardiff.com

For Cardiff HMO landlords seeking professional property management solutions, http://www.roomsincardiff.com offers a comprehensive platform designed to streamline your operations. Our team of experts specializes in Cardiff’s property market dynamics and regulatory landscape, ensuring you receive personalized advice and support.

Conclusion

Effective Cardiff HMO property management requires a holistic approach that balances compliance, tenant satisfaction, and financial success. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and exploring the services offered by http://www.roomsincardiff.com, landlords can navigate the complexities of HMO property management with confidence. Invest in your property’s success by staying informed, proactive, and dedicated to providing a superior living experience for your tenants.

Cardiff HMO landlords, contact us to discuss our range of services that that streamline operations, enhance tenant experiences, ensure compliance, and contribute to long-term property success by completing the short contact form below:

Why Cardiff Landlords Should Says Yes to DSS

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Yes, we know “DSS” is an outdated term in respect to the benefits system, but it’s still a term that is heavily used by both Cardiff landlords, letting agents and tenants when discussing Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.

So why do we believe as a Cardiff landlord and letting agent its important to say “Yes” to tenants in receipt of benefits. Well for one landlords and Cardiff letting agents should not be proactively discriminating against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits and secondly, COVID-19 is having a huge impact on the economy and people are losing their jobs!

Let’s Look at the latest Unemployment Numbers

  • The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in the three months to September
  • Redundancies rose to a record high of 314,000
  • The number of people out of work rose by 243,000 in the three-month period, the largest increase since May 2009.
  • Unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is 14.6%
  • It is estimated there are about 2.5 million people on furlough
  • Redundancies are at record levels with 314,00 people made redundant in the 3 months up to September 2020
  • Unemployment in Wales for July to September leapt to 4.6%
  • Wales saw the largest quarterly rise in the jobless rate out of any of the UK’s nations or regions.
  • Wales has also seen the largest drop in the rate of people in employment – down 2.5 percentage points from 74.6% to 72.1%

COVID-19 is creating a worry trend in regards to unemployment across the UK, therefore now more than ever we believe it’s important to understand the Universal Credit system as chances are your tenants may need to rely on it over the coming months

We have been renting to tenants in receipt of some kind of benefit for the last 12 years as a private landlord and Cardiff letting agent whether it be as a vanilla buy to let or our preferred option of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

The Positives of Renting to Tenants in Receipt of Benefits

Over these 12 years and countless tenancies we have gained extensive knowledge of the Housing Benefit and of late the Universal Credit systems.  We have read numerous books and government circulars on the subject and studied case law to ensure we understand both systems, their similarities, and differences.

Due to the knowledge we have gained over the last 12 years we have found renting to tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit and the Housing Element of Universal credit has many FINANCIAL BENEFITS for LANDLORDS including:

  • Your rent is GUARANTEED by the UK Government
  • Tenants on benefits do not get furloughed so do not ask for a rent reduction
  • Tenants on benefit have seen their income increase during the COVID-10 pandemic
  • Can often receive higher monthly rent than renting to working tenants

How Can We Help?

We can provide the following for Cardiff landlords:

  • Ensure Cardiff landlords are paid the Housing Element of UC direct from day one of a new tenancy
  • If there are rent arrears with an existing tenancy quickly ensure rent is paid direct to landlord and start to recover arrears direct from existing tenants Universal Credit
  • Carry out a rent review to ascertain if there in an option for an actual rent increase
  • For HMOs the potential rent increase could be almost £50/week per tenant

These are just some of the things we can do for Cardiff landlord that employ our fully managed property services.  If you would like to receive a no obligation chat with one of our team, please complete the contact form below

Cardiff HMO Letting Agent Tenant Attraction

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Cardiff HMO Letting Agent Tenant Attraction

High Yield Property Management Limited have over 12 years’ experience as a specialist Cardiff HMO letting agent managing Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) on a per room basis.

We have wealth of experience of attracting and managing professional, student and tenants in receipt of benefits on a per room, individual tenancy basis. 

In our role as a Cardiff HMO letting agent, we understand the importance of attracting housemates looking for a room to rent in Cardiff and the importance of mitigating void periods for our landlords.

Websites and Apps such as www.spareroom.co.uk have become a dominant force in attracting tenants who are looking for a room to rent in Cardiff, but property portals are only one cog in our well-oiled tenant attraction process.

This year alone online property portals have played a small part in attracting tenants who are  looking for a rom to rent in Cardiff with just over 10% of new housemates coming by way of an online property portal compared to 53% via organic search engines and 30% via our social media channels.

YearSearch EnginesSocial MediaProperty PortalsOther
202053.77%30.10%10.46%5.67%
201931.63%32.11%18.56%17.70%
201840.73%11.45%30.03%17.79%
201728.70%46.18%15.56%9.57%
201633.48%17.06%21.11%28.34%
Where are Cardiff Housemates come from

As a specialist Cardiff HMO letting agent we are continually tweaking our online presence to ensure we consistently rank on the 1st page of search engines such as Google and Bing for search terms housemates use when looking for a room to rent in Cardiff.  It is evident from the table above the importance of search engines in attracting housemates as this year so far over 50% of all new housemates have been a unique enquiry via a search engine. 

Therefore, if you are a self-managing HMO landlord or you are using a Cardiff HMO letting agent who does not rank well for search terms associated with room rentals and room only tenancies you are probably experiencing longer void periods in the current climate.

If you are a landlord with rooms to rent in Cardiff and looking to reduce your void periods, then look to employ a Cardiff HMO letting agent that does not just rely on property portals to attract tenants.  If you would like to employ the services of a Cardiff HMO  letting agent who are continually evolving their tenant attraction processes to eliminate void periods for then contact us using the form below.

More Reasons for Private Rented Sector to be Scared

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The Department for Communities and Local Government and Housing Minster, Brandon Lewis MP have played another “blinder” and hammered home yet another nail in the coffin for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the form of “Pay to Stay”.

Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, said:

 “It’s not fair that other hard-working people are subsidising the lifestyles of higher-earners to the tune of £3,500 per year, when the money could be used to build more affordable homes.”

 “’Pay to stay’ will ensure that those tenants on higher incomes who are living in social housing have a rent that reflects their ability to pay, while those who genuinely need support continue to receive it.”

Here is the link to The Department for Communities and Local Government press release:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fair-rents-will-ensure-higher-earning-tenants-pay-to-stay

 

So why is the “Pay to Stay” bad for Private Rented Sector?

Housing Associations can now charge full market rent to tenants who have a household income in excess of £30,000 per annum, the very same tenants the Private Rented Sector (PRS) is looking to attract, but which is more appealing to a tenant a private landlord or a Housing Association?

My guess would be a Housing Association is the more attractive option for a host of reasons but the most obvious being:

  • Tenants will be able to buy their Housing Association property after just 3 years with a 35% discount if it’s house and a 50% discount on a flat

So for professional working tenants currently renting from a PRS landlord making the switch to a Housing Association landlord makes sound financial sense.

Next question where are all the low income and tenants in receipt of benefits going to be housed?

You can also read about other ways Government Attacks Private Rented Sector

Diary of a HMO Landlord: Noise, Leaks, Squeaks & Rubbish

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After my initial Diary of a HMO Landlord post all was calm and foolishly thought to myself I’m not going to have much to write about this week, but how things change!

So what’s been happening?

I have had the electricians in at one house rewiring each room so they are on their own circuit and meters fitted so I comply with The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 and this also ensures tenants are accountable for their usage in their own rooms, all went well until a phone call the next morning about the central heating making a “gurgling” noise. Turns out one of the water pipes had fractured when the wires were being pulled through, which resulted in a lovely water feature in one of the down stairs rooms. On a positive note double boarded ceilings are still intact so it was just mopping up water, drying out carpets and getting the plumber around to solder the damaged pipe.

New tenants moved into a property, former residents of the Salvation Army homeless hostel who are very happy to have a clean and safe environment to live in and have put up with living on the streets but couldn’t put up with the squeaky fire hinges on their new door, so I treated them to a squirt of WD40.

As mentioned the new tenants love the free broadband access, but in other houses it can prove to be a pain in the arse. We all know broadband is a must especially for students and professional working tenants, but there is only so much a landlord can do as I DO NOT provide the service. One house has had intermittent service due to engineering works being carried out by the ISP but still tenants moan on at me and it came to a head when I get calls at 10PM moaning about the service Virgin Media supplies, as you can imagine I wasn’t best pleased especially when my phone ringing woke our baby!

Had the usual calls from Cardiff Council Housing Options Team enquiring what property I have available this week, also chasing “top up” from tenants that have Overpayment Recovery taken from their Housing Benefit Award, the latest tenant having a deduction of £6.50 per week from their Housing Benefit award to pay back about £5000 in overpayments.

At the other end of the spectrum, chasing professional tenants for their rent, the ones who never set up a standing order so the usual text each month to remind them to pay their rent on time and set up the standing order for next month, which they never do.

Rubbish is always a common theme encountered by HMO Landlords up and down the country, tenants don’t seem to like recycling and if they do manage to put rubbish in large black wheelie bins provided by Cardiff Council they don’t like to wheel them out onto the pavement for fortnightly collection so we soon get a build-up of black bags, I don’t know what is going to happen when Cardiff Council half the size of their black bins, be rubbish everywhere!

Finally my favourite aspect of being a HMO Landlord the legalities of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement and tenants serving “Notice to Quit” when they are on a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (SPT), affectionately known as a “month rolling”, or not serving as the case may be. All tenants love it when their fixed term comes to an end and they have the flexibility of a SPT but none of them seem to like the fact that the tenancy runs from one rent day to the next and they have to serve their “Notice to Quit” in writing, giving at least one months’ notice and ending on a rent day. This important point is highlighted when the tenant first signs the AST, also it is on the notice board and once again pointed out once their tenancy moves from a fixed term to a SPT, do they play by the rules, no way!

The latest one believes it is ok to text me on Saturday evening of a Bank Holiday weekend asking if they serve notice this evening, will they still have to pay their next rent payment, then continue to barrage me with text messages and emails up until 7AM today saying they are not paying rent whatever happens because they have found a new place. A phone call this morning has cleared up the situation.

And finally this afternoon I receive a call from the next door neighbour of a property I own. There seems to be an issue with noise, the neighbours words were “it sounds as if they are kicking a football against the party wall all night long”. Next on my “To Do List” find out what or who is creating the continual thudding! I will let you know how I get on.

Feel free to ask any questions via my blog or complete the form below if there are any specific HMO topics you would like me to discuss.

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House Sharing A Tenants Guide

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House Sharing is becoming more popular across all demographics of the UK population, from fresh graduates who have just planted their foot on the first rung of the career ladder, under 35’s who are being forced to house share due to changes to housing benefits or more mature members of society who are no longer able to afford to live on their own.  Demand for house sharing is only going to increase as our islands population continues to grow and place an extra strain on our limited housing stock.

House Sharing main benefits are it is a great way to meet people if you are new to an area. House sharing offers a social life as well as place to live (we recommend multi let properties with a communal area) and financially it makes sense as bills are either included in the monthly rent (easier to budget each month) or split between all tenants.

Where to find a House Share

There a huge number of online mediums to find a house to share, sites include:

www.spareroom.co.uk

www.uk.easyroommate.com

www.gumtree.com

www.housepals.co.uk

www.roombuddies.com

www.kangaroom.co.uk

There are also sites geared toward specific geographic locations in the UK, such as:

www.intolondon.com

www.housesharewales.co.uk

As well as sites offering specific ethnic, gender and other preferences:

www.indianroommates.in

www.gayflatshare.net

So whatever you’re chosen location there will be a site and house share to suit your specific needs.

House Sharing: Arranging a Viewing

It is very important to view the property before committing to enter into a house sharing agreement.  When viewing a property it is now law that you are shown a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and energy costs and provides recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.  An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

Even if bills are included in the monthly rent and EPC will provide a snap shot at the overall condition of the property as often a more energy efficient house will have a modern boiler and double glazed windows which will be of benefit in the winter.

Other certificates to look out for are a Gas Safety certificate (renewed annually) and Electric Certificate (Valid for 10 years) and HMO License (mandatory if the property is 3 or more storey and houses 5 or more people) any House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) you visit should have a notice board containing the landlords contact details, house rules and certificates on display.  This is a good indication the Landlord understands and takes their responsibility to tenants seriously.

 What is the ideal number of Housemate

When embarking on your house sharing journey it is important to meet your potential housemate and decide upon which house share best suits your needs. Although there is no absolute “best” number of housemate when house sharing it is good to avoid two or three together as two housemates can create an intensely inwardly-focused and dependent situation, and falling out or pairing off in other relationships often happens.

Three same sex housemates can lead to accusations of favouritism or ‘ganging up’ against one housemate.  House sharing with four, five and even six mixed-sex housemates often promotes an environment that is high on flexibility and offers non-intense rapport that helps avoid dangerous arguments and fallings-out.

Obviously when house sharing with five or six housemates amenities need to be taken into account and I would recommend looking for a house share with more than one shower room and a separate WC or a house share that offers ensuite facilities.

Questions to ask potential housemates

What time do you get up in the morning?

What time do you go to bed?

Do you smoke?

How often and how would you clean a toilet?

What is the price of a large sliced loaf/jar of coffee?

What experience have you had of working in a team?

 House Sharing Legals

You’ve found the perfect house share; you spoken with the landlord and housemates, now the fun begins.  As previously mentioned you should have already seen a copy of the EPC during your viewing as well as the Gas safety Certificate.  Other factors to consider are a bond.  If the landlord or agent offers an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) and requires a bond legally they are required to protect your bond within one of the following tenancy deposit protection (TDP) schemes:

Your bond must be protected in one of the above within 30 days of receiving the bond payment and  the landlord or agent must provide you with a Prescribed Information Certificate containing the Terms and Conditions of the chosen TDP scheme.

More information about TDP Scheme can be found on the Government Gov.uk site:

https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/overview

AST or License

If you are house sharing with a live in landlord chances are you will be provided in a License rather than an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) as a form of housing contract.  Please be aware a housing license offers less protection from eviction than an AST.

If your chosen house share doesn’t have a live in landlord and you do not have a main UK residence other than your new house share the landlord or agent has no option other than provide you with an AST whether it be a written or verbal contract.

The charity shelter provides a wealth of information relating to AST and Licenses her:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold/renting_agreements

Rooms in Cardiff in a specialist provider of HMO and multi let services to landlords and property investors in Cardiff and throughout South Wales.

We are also a source of information for those interested in house sharing and a great place to come if you are looking for a housemate or Rooms to Rent in Cardiff  and across South Wales.