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Converting your Bristol property to a HMO

Recent research shows that landlords are getting involved in Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMO) due to the potentially higher rental yields. Property investors are highly attracted to HMOs , especially in high population cities such as Bristol and Bath which has high numbers of students and young professionals.

What is classed as a HMO

• A property that is rented by 3 or more people that are not related
• A property that is rented by a couple and a friend
• A property that is a sleeping accommodation for 3 or more members of staff
• A property with the owner living there including tenants/ lodgers

What Rooms are required?

HMO tenants need their own private spaces and will require shared living spaces / communal areas such as;

• Lounge / Dinning area
• Kitchen
• Garden
• Bathrooms and WC's

Make use of larger bedrooms by installing en-suites

The amount of bathrooms /WC's required depends on the amount of bedrooms the property will have,check with the local authority as they may differ in areas in the UK

If the property has an attached garage you can convert it into a room

Minimum room sizes

There are many variables when it comes to room sizes ,this you can find on your local authority site such as Bristol City Council,Here I will go into a brief detail:

• Rooms that are used for sleeping accommodation by a person over the age of 10 is no less than 6.51 square meters
• Rooms that are used for sleeping accommodation by two people aged over 10 years is no less than 10.22 square meters

Electrical Safety

The electrical installation must be in a safe condition and meet the minimum requirements of the wiring regulations. All electrical work must be carried out by Part P registered Electricians like ourselves.

• Getting the property rewired and fuse board upgraded
• Ensuring the electrical installation is safe for continued use
• Electrical appliances to be routinely checked and a inventory kept
• Ensuring there is enough socket outlets per room

See Burridge Electrical's guide on HMO wiring HMO Wiring Guide

Fire Safety

fire detection system must be installed and routinely inspected with all the records all copies should be given to a) Letting Agent b) The landlord /property owner c) and a copy at the property for the tenants

• Installation of fire fighting equipment such as a fire blanket and extinguishers
• Installation of fire doors

Gas Safety

Regular gas safety checks and maintenance should be carried out on gas appliances such as hobs/ovens and boilers and records should be kept and made readily accessible

Additional Safety

Some other safety requirements you may need to consider:

• Locks for each bedroom
• Pest control treatments and records
• CCTV

Fit for human habitation

Ensure your property is fit for human habitation, there are some issues you will need to avoid

• Poor ventilation
• Damp
• Overcrowding
• Safe water supply
• Drainage

Getting in Tradesmen

Converting a property to a HMO is not a DIY project you can do yourself most of the process needs to meet building regulations and signed off by the local authorities

What trades do I need to get in order to get the work signed off?:

• You will need a Builder to carry out the structural work and ensure all building work complies


• A structural engineer for steel measurement's (if structural walls are coming down to extend for example)


• A Plumber is required to install bathrooms


• An Electrician to carry out all the electrical work and fire alarms system installed all electrical work must be signed off by a registered electrician


• A Gas Safe engineer/plumber for any gas installations and boiler work

Other Trades to consider:

• Floor layers / Carpet fitters
• Plasterers
• Painters and decorators
• Kitchen Fitter
• Gardener

That is a lot of trades to get in and to obtain quotes from.It is recommended to get in an all in one trades team, Burridge Electrical works close with a builder (Rightbuild Construction) that offers a all in one close knit team of trades which saves you the hassle of organising so many different tradesmen

For more information on budgeting and the building process please see :Extension and HMO building in Bristol

If you're still in doubt, contact a qualified electrician for advice.

Contact Anton on 0117 321 6406