Cambridge Property Maintenance Tips for Landlords Managing HMOs

Letting out a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Cambridge can be a rewarding strategy—but only if the maintenance is managed well. With several unrelated tenants under one roof, shared facilities get heavy use, and the legal standards are higher than with standard rentals. For Cambridge landlords managing HMOs, staying ahead of maintenance isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting income, property value, and compliance.

Common Maintenance Issues in HMOs

From high kitchen usage to bathroom blockages and the wear of communal areas, property upkeep for HMOs in the UK is never-ending. Some of the most frequent concerns include:

• Shared kitchen strain: With multiple tenants cooking daily, surfaces degrade quickly, appliances wear out, and extractor fans get clogged.

• Bathroom leaks and mould: Excess moisture and constant use of showers and toilets mean plumbing and ventilation must be top-notch.

• Fire safety wear: Emergency lighting, alarms, fire doors, and extinguishers must remain functional and compliant—always.

These aren’t occasional tasks—they’re recurring realities. Preventative maintenance is the only way to stay in control.

Scheduled vs. Reactive Maintenance

Many HMO landlords in Cambridge fall into the trap of reactive maintenance—waiting for something to break before taking action. But with multiple tenants and stricter oversight from local councils, this approach leads to:

• Higher repair costs due to emergency callouts

• Fines or failed inspections if safety standards lapse

• Tenant dissatisfaction and poor reviews

A better approach is scheduled maintenance. This includes regular inspections, servicing boilers, clearing drains, testing fire alarms, and checking white goods. Done quarterly or bi-annually, it keeps your property compliant and prevents costly repairs.

Legal Compliance: Fire Safety, Electrical Checks, and More

HMOs are under greater scrutiny from local councils. To stay legal, landlords must adhere to:

• Fire safety laws: This includes working smoke alarms on every floor, fire doors with intact seals, extinguishers, and up-to-date risk assessments.

• Electrical safety standards: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required every five years—sooner if issues arise.

• Gas safety checks: Annual servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer is non-negotiable.

• HMO licence conditions: Many local HMO licences in Cambridge outline their own inspection timelines and safety benchmarks.

Ignoring these isn’t just risky—it’s illegal. Proactive property maintenance is part of staying licenced.

How Cambridge Stays Manages HMO Maintenance Efficiently

At Cambridge Stays, we specialise in managing shared homes for landlords who want strong returns with none of the stress. Our HMO maintenance strategy combines routine scheduling with rapid issue resolution.

• Quarterly inspections ensure early detection of leaks, safety breaches, or neglected communal areas

• Maintenance logs are kept for every visit and repair, so landlords remain audit-ready

• Emergency support ensures any out-of-hours issues are resolved quickly and safely

• Trusted contractor network delivers consistent results at competitive rates

We also liaise directly with tenants for reporting and access, making the process smoother for everyone.

Need a Trusted Team to Keep Your HMO Running Smoothly?

HMO maintenance is demanding, but with the right systems and partners, it doesn’t have to be disruptive. Cambridge landlords who want to protect their properties and meet all legal obligations choose Cambridge Stays for our proactive, professional approach to HMO upkeep.

Let’s keep your rental income flowing—and your property in perfect shape.