Citywide Housing

The True Cost of Running an HMO in Leeds

TL;DR

Managing an HMO in Leeds isn’t just about collecting rent. Between compliance, maintenance, safety requirements, and tenant turnover, costs quickly add up. This blog breaks down the real expenses landlords face—and how Citywide Housing Group removes the financial and operational burden while paying you consistent monthly income.

What’s in This Article:

What Most HMO Landlords Forget to Budget For

It’s easy to assume HMO income = high profit. But that profit margin can shrink fast due to:

  • Voids: One empty room for 2 months = £900+ lost income
  • Repairs: Multiple tenants mean higher wear and tear
  • Admin time: Tenant queries, inspections, referencing
  • Advertising costs: Finding new tenants regularly

Many landlords underestimate the ongoing cost of managing even just 4–5 rooms under one roof.

Legal Requirements and Compliance Costs

HMOs in Leeds are heavily regulated—especially in Article 4 areas. To stay compliant, landlords must pay for:

  • HMO licence fee – ~£825–£975 (every 5 years)
  • Fire safety systems – Mains-wired smoke alarms, emergency lighting
  • Fire doors – Required in most HMOs
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) – Every 5 years
  • Gas Safety Certificate – Annually
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Valid for 10 years

Even a simple 4-bed HMO may need £2,000–£4,000 in compliance upgrades.

Why Tenant Turnover Is More Expensive Than You Think

In HMOs, tenants don’t usually move in/out at the same time. Every time one room is vacant:

  • You lose rent (even for just a few weeks)
  • You may need to repaint, clean, or repair
  • You spend money on ads or agent fees
  • You spend time managing viewings and screening

High turnover = high hidden cost. And if tenants leave unhappy, they may leave poor reviews, hurting your ability to fill future rooms.

How CHG Saves You Money and Pays You Monthly

At Citywide Housing Group, we eliminate the operational stress and the risk to your income.

Here’s what you gain:

  • Consistent rent: Even if a room is empty, you still get paid
  • Zero maintenance stress: We handle repairs, safety, and compliance
  • No agent or ad fees: We fill rooms ourselves
  • Fully managed: You won’t deal with tenants or admin ever again

You avoid thousands in annual costs—and gain peace of mind.

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.

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.

Landlord ensuring rental property safety with smoke alarms.

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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We are only accepting inquiries from landlords. Thank you for understanding.