Citywide Housing

Renters Rights Act: HMO vs Family Houses Compared

TL;DR

Under the Renters Rights Act, landlords face longer possession timelines, higher compliance pressure, and increased tenant protection. Family houses placed on a guaranteed rent scheme typically carry lower risk and more stable income than traditional HMOs.

What’s in This Article:

  • What the Renters Rights Act changes for landlords
  • How the Renters Rights Act affects HMOs
  • How the Renters Rights Act impacts family houses
  • Why guaranteed rent reduces Renters Rights Act exposure
  • FAQs landlords ask about the Renters Rights Act

Introduction

The Renters Rights Act is changing how landlords manage risk. Because tenant protections are stronger, income stability is harder to maintain. As a result, property type now matters more than ever. For landlords choosing between HMOs and family houses, the safest option is the one that limits tenant exposure.

Renters Rights Act risk factors for HMOs

  • Multiple tenants with individual rights
  • Higher likelihood of disputes
  • Increased inspection and licensing pressure
  • Compounded eviction complexity

In our experience, a single non-compliant room or disputed tenancy can stall income across the entire property.

Renters Rights Act considerations for family house

  • Single household occupancy
  • Fewer tenancy relationships
  • Simpler compliance oversight
  • Lower enforcement frequency

However, family houses are still vulnerable to arrears and possession delays if let traditionally

Why guaranteed rent reduces Renters Rights Act exposure

The most effective way to reduce Renters Rights Act risk is to remove individual tenants entirely.

Under a guaranteed rent scheme:

  • The property is leased to a commercial tenant
  • Rent is paid monthly regardless of occupancy
  • Eviction processes do not affect landlord income
  • Compliance responsibility is contractually transferred

As explained in our guide on guaranteed rent:
https://www.citywidehousing.co.uk/how-a-rent-guarantee-scheme-protects-your-rental-income/

This structure shields landlords from the operational impact of legislative change.

Why councils prefer family houses under the Renters Rights Act

Local authorities continue to prioritise stable family accommodation, particularly where long-term leasing reduces turnover and enforcement workload.
https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news

This demand underpins guaranteed rent placements for family houses.

How CHG Handles Compliance for You

At Citywide Housing Group, we remove the stress of compliance by:

  • Applying for and maintaining your HMO licence
  • Arranging all safety inspections and certificate renewals
  • Carrying out repairs to meet council standards
  • Keeping your property ready for inspection at all times
  • Providing consistent monthly rent with no void periods

             
Landlord reviewing UK property compliance checklist with tenant documents

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.

Conclusion and next step

The Renters Rights Act shifts power and risk further onto landlords. In the HMO vs family house decision, safer income comes from removing tenant exposure altogether. Guaranteed rent transforms legislative risk into predictable, contract-backed income.

If you want to protect your property from Renters Rights Act risk and secure guaranteed rent, speak to our housing team for a free property assessment.

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 Bradford housing market, ensuring you get the best returns for your property.

Landlord ensuring rental property safety with smoke alarms.

FAQs: Renters Rights Act and property risk

Yes. HMOs face multiplied tenant and compliance exposure.

Even if your property is vacant, you will still receive guaranteed rent payments.

Typically yes, especially when leased under guaranteed rent.

No. The commercial tenant manages occupants and compliance.

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 Bradford 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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