TL;DR
Running an HMO can seem profitable on paper, but hidden costs like void periods, maintenance,
compliance, and arrears can eat away at your returns. This blog breaks down the most common costs
landlords face and how Citywide Housing’s guaranteed rent scheme helps eliminate them entirely.
What’s in This Article
- Voids and Lost Rent
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Compliance and Licensing Costs
- Tenant Turnover and Management Time
- Rent Arrears and Payment Delays
- How to Eliminate These Hidden Costs
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Voids and Lost Rent
Every empty room in your HMO is a direct hit to your income. Even short gaps between tenants can add
up quickly — especially in large shared properties. In markets like Bradford and Leeds, a single month’s
void can mean hundreds of pounds lost per room.
Example: 4-room HMO × £500 per room = £2,000 lost for one vacant month.
Solution: Citywide Housing guarantees your rent every month, whether rooms are filled or not. No
voids, no income gaps.
Maintenance and Repairs
From boilers to bathroom leaks, HMOs require constant maintenance. Older properties or those with
high tenant turnover often have higher repair costs.
Average annual repair cost for HMOs: £1,200–£2,000 per property.
Solution: Under our guaranteed rent scheme, Citywide covers all maintenance and repairs — saving
you both time and money.
Compliance and Licensing Costs
HMOs face strict regulations: fire doors, emergency lighting, gas safety, electrical certificates, and more.
Missing even one inspection can lead to fines or licence suspension.
Example: HMO licence renewal: £900–£1,500 + safety certificates = another £500–£1,000 per year.
Solution: Citywide Housing manages all compliance and certification on your behalf, ensuring full legal
protection and zero hidden admin costs.
Tenant Turnover and Management Time
High tenant turnover increases cleaning, marketing, and administration costs. Many landlords
underestimate the time spent vetting new tenants and handling move-ins.
Example: Advertising, screening, and onboarding new tenants can cost £250–£400 per vacancy.
Solution: With Citywide Housing, tenant placement and management are fully handled. You enjoy
consistent occupancy without lifting a finger.
Rent Arrears and Payment Delays
Late or missed payments disrupt cashflow and can lead to lengthy recovery processes. Chasing rent or
serving notices adds extra stress.
Example: Two missed payments of £600 each = £1,200 lost, plus potential legal fees.
Solution: Citywide Housing guarantees rent even when tenants default. You get paid on time, every
month — no exceptions.
How to Eliminate These Hidden Costs
Citywide Housing’s Guaranteed Rent Scheme eliminates every hidden cost of HMO ownership: – ✅
Guaranteed monthly rent, no voids or arrears.
- Maintenance and repairs covered.
- Full compliance management.
- Tenant sourcing and management handled.
- 3–5 year lease agreements for stability and peace of mind.
By partnering with Citywide, landlords in Bradford, Leeds, and across West Yorkshire can focus on
growing their portfolios instead of worrying about day-to-day issues.
FAQs
Do I still pay for maintenance under guaranteed rent?
No — all repairs and maintenance are covered under our full-service lease agreement.
What if rooms in my HMO are empty?
You still receive your full rent every month — guaranteed.
Can you manage compliance and licensing for me?
Yes. Citywide handles all documentation, safety checks, and renewals.
Final Thoughts
Managing an HMO in Bradford or Leeds can be rewarding, but hidden costs quickly eat into profits.
With Citywide Housing’s guaranteed rent model, you eliminate those risks entirely — no voids, no
arrears, and no unexpected bills.
Call 0113 323 0678 or visit citywidehousing.co.uk to learn how to secure consistent rent and hassle-
free property management.
