Regain control of your property quickly and efficiently.
If you are a landlord or an investor looking to move into the rental income sector, AST Assistance offers a full HMO management service that supports you from the earliest stages through to ongoing operation. As your appointed HMO management agency, we handle every element of the process - sourcing suitable opportunities, advising on HMO property conversion and managing the day-to-day responsibilities that keep your investment compliant and operating smoothly.
We work across both residential and commercial rental assets, giving landlords the scope to widen their portfolio and establish a reliable income stream. Our service addresses all core HMO requirements, including fire safety standards, room sizes and amenity provisions, helping you maintain an HMO property that meets regulatory expectations and remains appealing to prospective tenants. With AST Assistance managing these operational and compliance demands, landlords benefit from reduced exposure to risk and consistent professional oversight, allowing more focus on long-term growth.
HMO arrangements can deliver strong returns when managed correctly, but they require structured planning, a sound understanding of regulations and continuous oversight. For landlords, this model can offer more predictable rental income, as void periods are less disruptive compared with single-let arrangements.
By working with AST Assistance, you gain access to specialist HMO advice for landlords and investors, aligned with your aims and the characteristics of your HMO property. Contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954 or complete our online form to speak with a member of our team about how we can support your investment plans
Our approach to HMO property management
AST Assistance delivers a complete property acquisition and management service designed to support landlords throughout the HMO process. From selecting a suitable property through to long-term tenancy management, we combine practical sector knowledge with input from independent housing lawyers to keep each stage clear and manageable.
Step 1: HMO and general property sourcing
Our HMO property sourcing specialists help landlords identify properties suited to HMO conversion or rent-to-rent property arrangements. This includes reviewing locations, assessing suitability and carrying out thorough due diligence on each opportunity. Unlike traditional estate agents, specialist HMO sourcing focuses on properties that meet regulatory demands and financial objectives, and AST Assistance applies this targeted approach when advising on investment strategies.
By outlining both the advantages and limitations of each property, we give landlords the details needed to make informed decisions that support and protect long-term investment aims.
Step 2: Lending assistance
We work with a network of reputable lending partners, giving landlords access to finance options designed for HMO and rental property investments. We help identify suitable funding routes for purchases, conversions, and rent-to-rent arrangements, taking into account refurbishment costs, HMO licensing requirements, projected returns and the structure of any rent agreements. This allows landlords to select funding that aligns with immediate objectives and long-term investment plans.
We also explain how each lending option may affect cash flow, interest exposure and repayment terms once the property is in use. By combining specialist finance access with clear and practical advice, we streamline the lending process and help landlords progress towards stable and sustainable HMO investment outcomes.
Step 3: Legal guidance
Our trusted independent solicitors manage the legal setup of your HMO or rent-to-rent investment. This includes preparing and reviewing the rent agreement, confirming compliance with the Housing Act 1988, addressing local authority licensing requirements and meeting all relevant tenancy legislation. Putting these measures in place at the outset creates a reliable structure for the rent arrangement and reduces the likelihood of future issues.
With the legal framework handled by AST Assistance, you can focus on developing a secure and financially sustainable rent-to-rent model, confident that your obligations are met and exposure to risk is reduced.
Step 4: Building & development teams
AST Assistance links landlords with reliable contractors, surveyors and project managers who handle refurbishment work, HMO conversions and wider development projects. Our independent legal partners support landlords in meeting HMO obligations by coordinating works that align with housing standards, including fire safety installations, room measurements and required amenities. By managing both the practical tasks and the regulatory detail involved in an HMO conversion, we help landlords create accommodation that satisfies licensing rules and provides an appropriate standard for occupants.
With experienced specialists supervising each stage of the process, you can be confident that your investment is progressing in line with legal, structural, and safety expectations.
Step 5: Rent-to-rent investment opportunities
If you are focusing on HMO investment, specialist legal guidance can help you identify suitable opportunities while reducing your exposure to risk. Our independent legal partners review and prepare the necessary documentation, explain your legal responsibilities and provide clear advice on the compliance requirements linked to HMO legislation and licensing. This helps you establish arrangements that are legally robust and commercially sustainable within the HMO sector.
We also advise you on your obligations around HMO property insurance and the need for a policy that reflects the specific use of the building. The right protections help manage financial exposure and support long-term income from your property. With structured, practical advice, you can progress with confidence, avoid common setbacks and enter HMO arrangements fully prepared.
Step 6: Ongoing HMO management
Beyond setup, AST Assistance offers a full management service for operational HMOs. This includes tenancy management, rent collection, handling tenant disputes, organising inspections and coordinating maintenance. We also manage compliance renewals, such as gas safety checks, fire risk assessments and HMO licence updates. We enable you to benefit from your investment without the administrative and legal burden of managing multiple tenants, taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the property.
Call us on 01706 619954 or contact us online to discuss how we can assist with your HMO property goals.
FAQs about HMO property management
What is an HMO property?
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) property is a residential building occupied by several unrelated tenants who share facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms or living areas. In most cases, it applies to a property with three or more tenants forming more than one household. HMOs are subject to specific management duties and licensing rules set by local authorities, covering areas such as fire safety, room sizes and amenity standards. These requirements exist to maintain suitable living conditions and support landlords in providing safe, compliant accommodation.
What is rent-to-rent?
The rent-to-rent business model allows an individual or company to take on a property from a landlord and then sublet it to occupants for a higher combined rental return. The rent-to-renter manages the tenancy, handles day-to-day operations, and aims to create a margin between the rent paid and the rent collected. For landlords, a successful rent-to-rent investment can offer steady income with reduced involvement, although it requires carefully structured agreements and strict compliance with housing regulations.
How does rent-to-rent work?
Rent-to-rent operates by allowing an individual or company to take a property on a fixed tenancy and then sublet it to occupants for a higher overall return. The rent-to-renter manages the arrangement and aims to create a margin between the rent paid to the landlord and the rent collected from subtenants. This can offer rent-to-rent landlords a steady income stream, although it also introduces considerations around compliance, contractual terms and day-to-day management responsibilities.
AST Assistance supports rent-to-rent landlords in reviewing proposals, drafting suitable agreements and limiting exposure to avoidable risks. Contact AST Assistance to discuss your position and receive professional guidance.
What is the HMO fire risk assessment cost?
The cost of an HMO fire risk assessment usually falls between £150 and £500. The final fee will vary based on the property’s size, the number of residents and how complex the layout and existing fire safety measures are.
AST Assistance can advise on the likely cost for your specific property and, if required, put you in touch with reputable fire risk assessors.
How does HMO property insurance work?
HMO property insurance provides cover specifically designed for buildings occupied by multiple unrelated tenants. As HMOs carry higher risks than standard single-let properties, insurers assess factors such as the number of occupants, layout, fire safety measures and the nature of the tenancy. Policies typically include protection for the building, landlord liabilities, loss of rent and damage arising from shared living arrangements. An HMO insurance policy helps landlords manage the additional risks associated with operating an HMO and supports the long-term stability of the property.
How much is an HMO licence?
HMO licence fees are calculated using two separate charges - an administration element and a grant fee - which together form the full amount payable. The cost varies based on the type of application you submit, including first-time applications, subsequent applications and renewals, as well as the number of people living in the property. Local authorities currently apply a £50 reduction for subsequent applications and a £200 reduction for renewal submissions. These fees sit alongside wider HMO licence requirements that landlords must meet before a licence is issued.
AST Assistance can clarify how these charges apply to your property and provide clear HMO licence advice tailored to your circumstances.
Contact us
Whether you are a property owner considering how to start rent-to-rent, a property investor assessing HMO legal requirements, or someone reviewing the potential of an HMO investment property in the current UK property market, you can speak with AST Assistance for professional guidance. This applies equally to those exploring guaranteed rent arrangements, developing a property business, or weighing opportunities linked to commercial rent.
To discuss your position, contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954 or complete our online form. Our team is available to talk through your plans and help you decide your next steps.
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