The short answer: In England, a property will usually be an HMO where at least three people forming more than one household share basic amenities. A mandatory HMO licence is generally required where five or more people from more than one household share facilities and at least one pays rent. Smaller HMOs can still require an additional licence, while a selective licence can apply to ordinary private lets in a designated area. The answer always depends on the property, the pro

What landlords, property managers and serviced-accommodation operators need to review now Rent pricing is no longer just a commercial decision. In 2026, it is a compliance process, a customer-experience issue and a test of operational control. For landlords and agents managing assured periodic tenancies in England, the new tenancy regime introduced on 1 May 2026 has changed how rent is advertised, agreed and increased. Section 21 has been abolished, assured tenancies are peri

Moving Beyond Arbitrary Percentages This is one of the most frequently asked questions we received from landlords—and the answer is far more nuanced than a simple percentage. There is no government-mandated cap of 3%, 5%, or any arbitrary figure in England. What the law does establish is a standard: the proposed new rent must not exceed the open market rent for the property. As the private rented sector evolves, particularly with the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act

Taking in a lodger can create a useful income stream from space that might otherwise remain unused. However, the real commercial values does not come from filling a room quickly. It comes from creating an arrangement that is clear, workable and correctly documented from the start. A well-prepared lodger agreement helps a homeowner set expectations about rent, bills, shared spaces, guests, access, deposits and notice. It can reduce friction, support better record-keeping and m

Most landlords understand, in principle, that compliance matters. They know they need gas safety certificates, deposit protection records, and tenancy agreements. What is less well understood is the specific and often severe consequences of having those documents in the wrong format, stored inconsistently, or simply impossible to locate when needed. Poor compliance documentation is not just administrative inconvenience. It is a source of financial risk, legal exposure, and op