Cleaning in HMOs is often a difficult area to get right, mainly because there are many different scenarios in terms of house layout and tenant make up. A one size fits all approach on the part of the landlord and/or managing agent, is rarely applicable. As always, effectiveness of cleaning will come down to individuals and their attitudes (including the landlord), what they actually undertake, how well it is done and how regularly. From a regulation perspective, it is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure that the communal areas are maintained in a fit and proper standard, and this includes cleaning. So, if things are not being done, then the landlord needs to address this. This differs from the situation with the individual rooms, where it is the tenant’s responsibility (in much the same way as with a single let property). In some instances, however, it is acceptable to delegate this down to the tenants but be warned that this isn’t always plain sailing.
Properties let on a single tenancy agreement to a group of ‘friends’ (for instance students, or work colleagues), where each has their own room, is the first example where a landlord could consider outlining cleaning responsibilities of the communal parts in the tenancy. Were the tenants view the whole property equally – in terms of usage – and make extensive use of the communal parts, this has the best chance of being adhered to. However, landlords should be aware, that technically it is still their responsibility to ensure that these areas are kept clean if this becomes a problem.
Where rooms in an HMO are let on an individual basis with non-exclusive rights to use of the communal areas, there is still a possibility that the cleaning of these areas could be effectively managed by the tenants. It depends on the wording of the tenancy agreements and also the make up to the house. Where tenants have come together to rent the rooms around the same time (perhaps as a group of friends from work for instance) then they are more likely to collaborate and organise the cleaning themselves. Things can break down however, where one of more tenants leave and the rooms are then let to new tenants who are not part of the original group. In this instance the property manager can organise a house meeting to try to get collaboration between the tenants. Ultimately however it may be necessary to bite the bullet and factor in the need for a regular cleaning service at the property. Make sure as a landlord that you factor in this cost into your budget for running costs.
Each HMO is different and as a managing agent we will always work with landlords to advise them the best way to manage the cleaning in their particular property. If you are considering making cleaning the responsibility of tenants in your property, then we have prepared a cleaning rota that you can use as a template.
If you have any questions or would like to know a little more about how we can help you with your properties, then please give us a call on 01233 802803 or email us at contact@lifeboatlettings.com
