If you own an HMO, losing tenants can spell trouble for you in multiple ways. Not only do you have to deal with the loss in rental income but also need to spend time, effort, and money in getting a replacement with good credentials. Moreover, you need to keep incurring the expenses for maintaining the property even though you are not earning. While there are several reasons why tenants move out that are outside the control of HMO landlords, there are many things’ landlords can do to reduce the tenant turnover rate.
Top Reasons Why HMO Tenants Move Out
Poor maintenance: While HMO tenants want affordable housing, they do not like to live in properties that are poorly maintained, unsafe, and hazardous to health. Typical issues on which landlords don’t take action promptly that force tenants to drop out include lack of sanitation, leaking roofs, clogged toilets, dampness, pest infestation, etc. Moreover, the lack of upkeep results in negative feedback that can spoil your reputation. Addressing upkeep issues before they become problems will help you to retain your tenants.
Lack of responsiveness: Your job as an HMO landlord does not end with the tenants moving in. You must be available to sort out any issue your tenants are facing. These include maintenance, friction, noisy neighbors, and more. Tenants facing a lack of service and who can’t communicate well with you may choose to move out. By establishing a good line of communication, you can learn about issues before they become alarming.
Affordability: Another common reason for tenants to move out is their inability to continue to afford the rental after you increase them. Additionally, they may be forced to quit if they lose their job, meet with an accident, incur an unplanned expense, face a medical condition, etc. that forces them to economize. Keeping rent increases reasonable and allowing them extra time to regularize their payments can work well to retain tenants. According to Simply Business, not having too many tenants can also make your tenants happier.
Less than ideal neighborhood: If the HMO is in an unsafe place, lacks good connectivity, or is noisy, renters looking for peaceful surroundings may choose to move out. While there’s nothing much you can do about construction work or neighborhood crime, you can try to reduce your tenant turnover by changing the profile of the tenants you take on. Instead of small families or young professionals, you may like to take on factory workers or students.
Other reasons: Other common reasons for tenants moving out include changes in their relationship status. For example, someone getting married may want to live independently, while someone getting a divorce may want a smaller and more affordable place. Moreover, some people may be moving elsewhere when they change their jobs.
Conclusion
Retaining tenants in a competitive market can be tough. However, by ensuring you offer competitive rates, maintain your property well, screen your tenants thoroughly, and keep an open line of communication, you can keep their turnover from impacting your investment yield. If you don’t want to get too involved with your HMO, you can consider entrusting the job to a competent HMO letting agency.
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy.
