What is a Guaranteed Rent Scheme and Is It Right for You?
November 2, 2024
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TL;DR
Thinking of letting an HMO in Leeds? You may need a licence—especially if your property houses three or more unrelated tenants. This guide breaks down what counts as an HMO in Leeds, how licensing works, and how Citywide Housing Group makes compliance hassle-free for landlords.
What’s in This Article:
What Qualifies as an HMO in Leeds
In Leeds, an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is typically any property where three or more people from two or more households live together and share basic amenities (kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
Common examples:
- A 3-bed house let to three unrelated tenants
- A student property with 5 sharers
- A converted building with individual tenancy rooms
Under the Article 4 Directive, many areas of Leeds (including Headingley and Hyde Park) require planning permission to convert a property into an HMO—even for small HMOs.
Do I Need an HMO Licence?
If your HMO has five or more occupants, you must have a mandatory HMO licence. But even for smaller properties, Leeds City Council often requires a licence under its additional licensing scheme, depending on location.
“If you rent to 3 or more people in certain wards of Leeds, you will likely need a licence. Failure to comply can result in a £30,000 fine.” — Leeds.gov.uk
You must apply for an HMO licence if:
- Your property is within a designated Article 4 area
- You rent to 3 or more unrelated tenants
- The property meets local licensing criteria (even if under 5 people)
How Much Does an HMO Licence Cost?
As of 2025, Leeds charges:
- £825 for landlords on the Leeds Rental Standard (LRS)
- £975 for others (split as £635 application + £340 issue fee)
Licences are typically valid for 5 years, and renewal costs are similar.
“Discounts are available for landlords accredited with Unipol, the NRLA, or LRS.” — Leeds.gov.uk
Additional costs you may face:
- Fire doors & escape routes
- Emergency lighting systems
- Annual gas/electrical checks
- EPC compliance
How Long Does the Licensing Process Take?
The process can take 8–12 weeks from application to inspection. It may take longer if:
- You need planning permission (Article 4 area)
- The property lacks fire safety measures
- The layout needs changes (e.g. extra bathrooms or fire doors)
Landlords must wait for approval before legally letting a property as an HMO. Letting without a licence risks prosecution and heavy fines.
How Our Guaranteed Rent Scheme Works
Step 1: Get in Touch
Contact us today by phone or complete our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation property consultation.
Step 2: Property Assessment
We’ll visit your property to assess its condition, provide recommendations for any necessary improvements, and ensure it meets all required standards.
Step 3: Compliance & Handover
We manage the entire compliance process, carry out any necessary repairs, and arrange for an inventory check before officially handing over the property.
Step 4: Consistent Rent Begins
Once everything is in place, we take care of the property management, and you’ll start receiving consistent rent every month.
Why Guaranteed Rent is Perfect for Leeds Property Investors
Leeds is a thriving city with a strong rental market. However, like many areas in the UK, landlords often face the challenges of tenant turnover, property voids, and late payments. By partnering with Citywide Housing, you gain the peace of mind of knowing that you will receive a consistent, hassle-free income.
Leeds also benefits from high demand in areas like Leeds City Centre, Headingley, and Horsforth, making it an ideal location for guaranteed rent schemes.
How Citywide Housing Group Supports Landlords
At Citywide Housing Group, we specialise in helping landlords secure guaranteed income with long-term leases. Our approach ensures:
Full Property Management: From tenant management to maintenance, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.
Compliance and Legal Support: We ensure that all your properties meet legal requirements and comply with housing standards.
No Hidden Fees: We believe in transparency, with no surprise costs—what we agree on is what you get.
Local Expertise: Our team is familiar with the Leeds housing market, ensuring you get the best returns for your property.
FAQs About Guaranteed Rent for Leeds Landlords
Our leases typically last between 3 to 5 years, offering landlords long-term stability.
Even if your property is vacant, you will still receive guaranteed rent payments.
Yes, you can sell your property at any time, but your guaranteed rent payments will continue until the end of the lease agreement.
Contact us for a free property assessment and see how our guaranteed rent scheme can benefit your Leeds property.
How to Get Started with Citywide Housing Group
If you’re ready to secure fixed, reliable income with no voids or arrears, it’s time to join the growing number of landlords in Leeds benefiting from guaranteed rent schemes.
Contact Citywide Housing Group today to schedule your free property assessment and discover how we can help you unlock the potential of your property.
For more information, visit Citywide Housing or call us at 0113 323 0678.
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