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#NicoKnows: The Ultimate Guide to HMO Living

Have you ever wondered how so many people move to big cities and still afford to have fun and exciting lives?

How they can make new friends quickly without knowing anyone there already?

How they can afford to explore everything their new city has to offer?


Well, the answer is HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy)!


Living in a HMO has become one of the most popular living choices in the UK. And for good reason too, not only can you save money on paying rent but you get all the social benefits of living with other people too.

For most people, it’s more than just an affordable accommodation option, it’s a lifestyle choice.

Check our 20 bed HMO and other properties here: www.luxor-lettings.com/available

But what exactly is a HMO and what do I need to know?

Whether you’re looking into housesharing for the first time or already a well-seasoned sharer, there are many things you need to know before renting a new room.


The idea of living with strangers is a daunting prospect to anyone so to help you out we’ve put together a range of useful information in our Ultimate Guide to Housesharing to get you started.


What is a HMO?

In a nutshell, a HMO is when two or more people live in the same property together in rooms. Everyone has their own bedroom but the other rooms in the house such as the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom etc will be shared.


Someone who is living in a Houseshare is often referred to as a flatmate or housemate. Some people often say roommate but this is generally for people sharing a room, it’s best to double check this if you see advertisements for a Houseshare.


Why HMO?

HMO's allow almost anyone to live comfortably in a good location without paying excessive prices. It’s very common now in most of the UK’s larger cities such as London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, where the cost of buying or renting a property is considerably more than in other cities.


Essentially, by sharing the extra rooms in a property such as a living room, kitchen etc you’ll be effectively splitting the cost to rent the property, meaning you’ll have more money to enjoy everything your new city has to offer.


The social aspect of HMO is another big draw for many people. Moving to a new city, whether it’s to study or for a new job, can be a lonely experience if you don’t already know people living there.


Roomsharing allows you to meet new people, discover new cultures and make new friends. There have been endless tales of people moving in together and becoming friends for life.


What you should consider before searching for a room

OK, so you’ve decided it is for you.

What’s next? Where do I start?


Who can Rent?

Roomsharing is available to almost anyone but it’s important to consider who you will be sharing with and how you’ll be able to adapt to living with these people. For example, if you’re a student you’ll probably have a different lifestyle to an older working professional so to avoid any conflicting situations, it’s best to find an all student Houseshare.

It’s perfectly normal for people to go through an interview process for a Houseshare, this is usually with all the people currently living there. Some Houseshares become like family so they want to make sure they’re going to get on with the person they let in.


Students

Sometimes it can be more cost effective to live in a Houseshare rather than student accomodation and many student areas are populated with property designed for sharing.


Young professionals

A new job can often mean a new city, a new life. Housesharing with other younger professionals who are in the same position as you is a great way of meeting new people from different walks of life.


Over 40’s

Housesharing isn’t just reserved for the younger generation. In fact, statistics now show that the number of Housesharers aged 45-54 has risen by 300% in five years.


Couples

Just because you’re paired up, doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Many Houseshares welcome couples and it’s a great way to way to hang out with other people as well as just each other.


How much money do I need?

Usually private landlords ask for a month’s rent up front and a deposit, which is normally around the same price as the monthly rent. It may seem a lot to pay upfront but remember that, as long as you look after the property, you’ll get the deposit back and you will already have covered the cost of your last month’s rental payment – WE DO NOT ASK FOR THS IN MOST INSTANCES!


Though we have a team of experts vetting our site, we can’t vouch for every listing. To avoid being scammed, we advise you to never transfer any money before seeing the property first or meeting with a landlord or representative.


What are the essential documents you need to have?

Before you rent a property, a landlord may ask for a reference check. This is a standard procedure for all landlords to vet who they rent their property out too. It is especially useful in a Houseshare as you will have a safe piece of mind that who you are living with has been checked and approved by a landlord first.


Reference checks are fairly quick and easy but you will need to provide a few documents such as:

  • I.D - Usually passport, drivers license or identity card.

  • Bank statements - This is to check that your salary will cover the rent payments and that previous rent payments have been going in and out. A landlord may also do a credit check. A quality score is not based on the amount of debt you have but more how you manage your repayments.

  • Address history - You will usually be asked to provide a minimum of three bills or statements to prove your previous living addresses.

  • Proof of employment - You may be asked to provide a scan of your contract to prove that you are in employment or if your a freelancer to provide confirmation that you are working.

  • Previous landlord references - A landlord may ask for the details of your previous landlords that way they can check you have been a responsible tenant who looks after the property and pays the bills on time.


Did you know there are different types of Houseshares?

When searching for a Houseshare, you’ll come across a number of different types of property to live in, here’s a list of some of the most popular:


Professional Houseshare

A property advertised for working professionals only.

Pros

Live and meet with people who have a similar working lifestyle.


Furnished rental Vs unfurnished rental

A furnished rental is a property where the basic furniture is already provided. This benefits people who don’t already have furniture of their own or are only looking to live in the property temporarily. An unfurnished flat is a property with no furniture, making it ideal for people who want to bring/buy their own furniture or for longer term tenants.


What you need to budget for

It really pays to know the ins and outs of renting a property and to be aware of most landlords’ requirements. Here are a few pointers to consider:

Rent & Deposit.Council Tax. Electricity, Water & Gas.Household insurance.Telephone, internet and insurance.

The prices of these can vary depending on the location you’re looking to rent.

Check our 20 bed HMO and other properties here: www.luxor-lettings.com/available

NICHOLSON MANSION


Nicholson Mansion is one of the most significant properties in our portfolio. This scintillating 20 bedroom, 5 bathroom & 3 kitchen HMO is a monument to contemporary design and urban luxury.

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Features include period style casement windows in every room, wide stairwell to all 4 stories including the basement, a chic array of chandeliers throughout, a mixture or carpet & wide plank floors, multi-zone heating and a laundry room with gloss counters and an Industrial washer/dryer, and a quartet of private outdoor space & gymnasium is exclusive to residents.

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The building is a sanctuary unto itself. It occupies the a wide range of students & professionals in the city centre area. Located in the tranquil Sefton Park area, the building also achieves commercial grade WiFi, locker & cycling storage facilities.




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