Checkout Reports for HMO Properties - Key Things to Consider

Renting a room in an HMO is an attractive option for many tenants. As well as offering more affordable rates compared to renting an entire property, living in an HMO can provide a more social living environment, allowing tenants to interact with a diverse group of people.

However, the reality for landlords is that HMO properties can often experience higher turnover rates compared to other rental properties. This can present several challenges, including increased administrative burden.

As such, having a standardised and efficient process for things like the check-out process is crucial. Below are some top tips on how you can do this.

Detail Inventory Comprehensively

Many tenants buy their own furniture to supplement pieces that are already provided, and it can be hard to track who owns individual items during an inspection if inventory is not logged comprehensively, especially when someone has lived in a property for multiple years, or when you are managing multiple tenant rooms or HMOs.

Whether you are using a manual process or working with a digital solution such as our free check-out report, it is important to document the existence, condition and functionality of all furniture, appliances and fixtures.

This helps ensure that any damage is accounted for when the tenant moves out and that remaining tenants do not shoulder any costs incurred by damages disproportionately in the future.

Review both Individual Rooms and Communal Areas

As HMO properties include multiple tenants in individual rooms, you should inspect and document the condition of each room separately, including any items left behind by the tenant.

However, it is also important to record the overall condition of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, as well as any shared spaces like hallways and common areas. Pay special attention to shared areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and communal living spaces and document the cleanliness, functionality of appliances, and any damage or wear and tear.

Make Sure the Property is Safe

As a landlord for HMOs, there is an increasing obligation to ensure that you have performed the necessary safety and health checks so that the property and rooms you are leasing are completely safe to live in.

It is worth working with professionals to handle important jobs like checking the integrity of your boiler and inspecting safety features like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Before new tenants move in, it is good practice to confirm that these devices are in place, functional and up to date.

Recommendations for Deposit Return

If there are issues that may affect the return of the tenant's deposit, such as repairs or cleaning, include recommendations on how these can be resolved and communicate these to your tenant respectively.

By including all these elements in your checkout report, you create a comprehensive and transparent record of the property's condition when a tenant leaves. This ensures a smooth transition and minimises disputes, benefiting both landlords and tenants in the HMO property management process.

Streamline the Documentation Process

Finally, we recommend using our free property management app to make sure you have all the details and visual assets needed for a comprehensive report. This will help you to standardise the process and make sure you never miss anything out.

Our software offers users a free check-out report that can be used to visually document the condition of the property—offering easily accessible supporting evidence in case of disputes.

Dan, 24 November 2023
Checkout Reports for HMO Properties - Key Things to Consider

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