Do I need an HMO floor plan?

If you let, manage, or own an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), you need to be in possession of an HMO floor plan. There is a list of reasons this documentation is essential, from obtaining a legally required HMO licence to ensuring safety compliance for tenants. In this post, we're going to take a look at who needs an HMO floor plan and what they will need one for.

First, if you're interested in learning the detailed basics of HMO floor plans before delving into this post, we recommend our helpful introductory guide to HMO floor plans. There, you'll find everything you need to know about floor plans, along with answers to some of the most asked questions we've received from our clients going through the HMO licence application process.

An HMO floor plan is typically required most by those who own or manage an HMO, but other parties can also find them useful. Let's discuss who needs these plans as part of their operations and who can benefit from them.

Property owners

Property owners planning on either turning their property into an HMO or selling their HMO will need an official HMO floor plan.

Changing a property into an HMO

Anyone turning their property into a multi-occupied property will need to apply for an HMO license from the local authority, which requires an HMO floor plan. The floor plan is an essential component in the application, as the local authorities will need to assess whether or not the property is suitable for HMO status. The plan is crucial in supporting this as it helps them better understand the overall layout and building details to aid in their decision. Having a proper floor plan is nothing but a plus for this process.

Selling an HMO property

Though not a legal requirement, having a floor plan can greatly help with the sale of your property. By providing these details to potential buyers, you can enable accurate visualisation of the layout, sizing, and spatial division. An official floor plan supports more informed decision-making and lends the property and sale a more professional edge to appeal to serious prospective buyers.

Landlords

If you are the landlord of an HMO, you should have an HMO floor plan for several reasons. It's an essential document in applying for and holding an HMO licence, which is a legal requirement depending on the number of tenants and the households they form.

The plan helps prove compliance with HMO standards and provides accurate and detailed documentation of fire systems and other important building details for safety. Another important use of the HMO floor plan is if any disputes should arise between tenants or tenants and the landlord, as it stands as evidence regarding private spaces, shared spaces, and property condition.

The overarching importance of the plan is that without it, you will not receive a licence, and operating an HMO without a licence will result in serious penalties, such as fines and permanent bans from renting out properties.

Depending on the number of people residing in the property, you may not need an HMO license. For example, if fewer than five people who form two or more households (such as a family of three in one space and one single person in another) will not require a licence. Five or more tenants that form two or more households, however, will mean landlords must obtain a licence, which will require an HMO floor plan.

Local authorities

It is not the local authority's responsibility to obtain an HMO floor plan, but they require it as part of your HMO licence application. Once in their possession, authorities can assess your property's suitability as an HMO. They'll ensure it's fit for tenants in terms of safety standards and legal compliance, both of which are essential to a successful licence application.

Tenants

Though not essential or a legal requirement, it is helpful for tenants to have a copy or access to a copy of the HMO floor plan. This is so they can familiarise themselves with which spaces are theirs, which are communal, and where important safety systems are, such as fire doors and smoke detectors. These floor plans are also useful in attracting tenants who may be interested in viewing a more detailed plan of their potential new home.

HMO floor plans are essential for successful HMO licence applications

Once you're ready to get started, be that turning your property into an HMO, selling your HMO, or making changes to your HMO, don't hesitate to get in touch for your professional HMO floor plan. As industry experts with years of experience in accurate plans, we're able to offer the best HMO floor plan service to our clients across London, the South East, and East Anglia.

If you are planning on turning your property into an HMO, we highly recommend taking a look at our guide to what must be included in an HMO floor plan. This will provide you with everything required within the plan to aid in your application process, including size, levels, divisions, and fire precautions.

For quality HMO floor plans, helpful advice, and a fast and efficient experience, reach out to the Lease Planners team today.