New research sheds light on critical safety concerns among tenants in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The study, details of which were recently published, indicates that a significant proportion of tenants receive insufficient or no information about their future housemates before moving into a shared living unit. This affects more than two in five tenants in such housing forms.
The investigation further found that 21 per cent of surveyed HMO tenants experienced a feeling of insecurity or unease at some point due to a housemate. These figures underscore the need for improved procedures in HMO property rentals to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Transparency and Risk Minimisation
The lack of transparency regarding the identity and background of housemates represents a significant problem. While standard tenant screening procedures are established for individual tenants in many markets, these mechanisms often fall short when filling rooms within HMOs. The implications range from everyday inconveniences to serious safety risks, as the 21 per cent rate clearly demonstrates.
For landlords and managers of HMO properties, these findings present a mandate to review and, if necessary, adjust their processes. Comprehensive vetting of all potential residents, including reference checks and background checks, could help alleviate the aforementioned concerns and increase the attractiveness and safety of HMO dwellings. This is particularly relevant in a segment of the housing market often used by students and young professionals.
Recommendations for Practice
Experts call for greater awareness of this issue. It is recommended to establish clear guidelines for tenant screening, even in HMO contexts. This includes not only creditworthiness checks but also the collection of relevant information that can promote harmonious and safe cohabitation. Such measures can strengthen tenant trust and potentially reduce turnover rates.
- —More than 40% of HMO tenants receive little information about housemates.
- —21% of tenants feel unsafe due to a housemate.
- —The study highlights the need for better vetting processes.
