Staying Compliant: Converting Houses to HMOs - Space Ratios in Preston !

At E&M Property Solutions, we understand the importance of adhering to regulations and legislation set by the Preston City Council when converting a house to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Ensuring compliance not only safeguards the interests of the tenants but also protects property owners from potential legal and financial consequences. This legislation is law, it’s not a choice or preference, the space ratio’s given by the council for HMO’s have to be adhered to in order for the rooms to be let. These change from Borough to Borough to make sure you check with the local Council your property is in. For this Blog we are focusing on Preston!

One of the key aspects of converting a property into an HMO is the consideration of room size ratio per tenant. The guidelines and legislation provided by the council outline specific requirements for the size of rooms based on the number of occupants, aiming to maintain a standard of living that is safe and suitable for the occupants.

When converting a house to an HMO, it is essential to calculate the room size ratio per tenant accurately. The council's guidelines typically specify minimum floor area requirements for sleeping accommodation based on the number of occupants. For instance, a single adult tenant may require a larger room size compared to a room shared by two occupants.

This doesn’t just apply to bedroom space either, there is set legislation for communal kitchen spaces - including what appliances and equipment need to be included within that space. The same applies to any other communal spaces, and also Bathroom / WC ratios per tenant.

Failure to comply with the room size ratio per tenant guidelines can result in various repercussions. Firstly, non-compliance can lead to legal enforcement action by the local council. This may include fines, prohibition orders, or even the requirement to revert the property back to its original state. Such penalties can have detrimental effects on property owners, resulting in significant financial losses and potential damage to their reputation within the property market.

Why are there room size ratio regulations? Not giving tenants enough space can pose serious risks to the well-being of the occupants. Inadequate living space can contribute to health and safety concerns such as fire risks, contamination’s, overcrowding, as well as affecting the physical and mental well-being of tenants.

At E&M Property Solutions, manage many HMO’s in Preston, of which we have converted a great number. We prioritize the adherence to room size ratio guidelines when converting properties to HMOs. Our approach involves meticulous planning and design to ensure that each room meets the required size standards according to the number of intended occupants. By focusing on compliance from the initial stages of planning, we mitigate the risk of non-compliance and ensure that our clients' properties meet the necessary regulatory standards.

In addition to room size ratio compliance, our team at E&M Property Solutions emphasises the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to uphold the living standards within HMO properties. This proactive approach enables us to identify and address any potential non-compliance issues promptly, thereby safeguarding both the interests of the occupants and the property owners.

It is essential for property owners to work with experienced professionals like E&M Property Solutions when undertaking the conversion of a property to an HMO. Our expertise in navigating the guidelines and legislation surrounding HMO conversions allows us to guide property owners through the process while maintaining strict compliance with regulations.

Each council can set their own legislation, so it’s always best to check your local Councils website if you are considering converting a property to a HMO. For those of you in Preston, here’s a handy guide we have created to help you with this; based on the information found on Preston City’s Council website.

Now we understand that at first glance, these standards can appear rather confusing, but we at E&M Property Solutions are here to help. We can take you through every step, from planning, conversion, furnishing, and managing. Adherence to the guidelines and legislation provided by Preston City Council when converting a house to an HMO, particularly regarding room size ratio per tenant, is paramount for property owners and property management companies. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal consequences, financial losses, and risks to the well-being of tenants. By partnering with E&M Property Solutions, property owners can ensure that their HMO conversions in Preston, meet the necessary standards, safeguarding the interests of both tenants and property owners alike.