Cambridge Property Management for HMOs: What to Watch Out For in 2025

Shared houses have long been a smart investment in Cambridge’s bustling rental market, but 2025 is shaping up to be a year of big changes for HMO landlords. From new licensing expectations to tightening safety regulations, property owners can no longer afford to wing it. Whether you’re already managing multiple tenancies or planning to convert a property into an HMO, it’s time to sharpen your compliance game. Here’s what to expect in 2025—and how to stay ahead.

Expected Licensing Changes and How They Affect Shared Lets

Cambridge City Council has been reviewing local housing conditions and HMO density, and updated licensing criteria are expected to come into force by mid-2025. These changes will likely include expanded mandatory licensing to cover more two-storey shared homes (especially in CB1 and CB4), along with more rigorous application vetting.

This means landlords who previously let smaller HMOs under the radar will be required to register, meet more stringent standards, and provide documented compliance for fire safety, energy performance, and tenant safety. Ignoring these changes could result in hefty fines, rent repayment orders, or enforcement action.

If your property falls within a designated Article 4 area—such as parts of Mill Road, Romsey, or Arbury—you may also need planning permission to convert a single dwelling into an HMO.

Fire Safety, Minimum Room Sizes, and Tenant Mix Regulations

Fire safety requirements for HMOs are already strict, but 2025 updates are expected to align local expectations with broader Building Safety Act reforms. You’ll likely need:

• Interlinked smoke alarms in every bedroom and communal area

• Fire doors with appropriate closers

• Updated electrical certificates (EICRs) and PAT testing

Minimum room size enforcement is also becoming more assertive. Any room used for sleeping must be at least 6.51m² for one adult or 10.22m² for two. Councils are getting tougher on properties that stretch these limits—especially where shared living spaces are small or poorly maintained.

Tenant mix may come under scrutiny too. More councils are implementing ‘balanced community’ policies, which limit the concentration of HMOs in one neighbourhood. Renting to a mix of students and professionals, rather than an entire house of undergraduates, may help with licensing and planning approvals.

Common Mistakes Self-Managing HMO Landlords Make

HMO management isn’t like a standard let. With multiple tenancies, shared responsibility, and strict compliance requirements, mistakes can be costly. Some of the most common pitfalls include:

• Failing to renew HMO licences on time

• Not updating fire risk assessments annually

• Using standard AST contracts instead of room-by-room licences

• Missing bi-monthly or quarterly property inspections

• Inadequate complaint handling processes

Even small oversights—like missed bin days, slow repairs in shared spaces, or tenant conflict—can cause turnover and legal issues if not handled properly. The more tenants in one roof, the greater the operational complexity.

How Cambridge Stays Keeps HMO Properties Compliant and Profitable

Cambridge Stays offers HMO landlords a full-service property management solution that’s tailored to the city’s unique regulatory environment. We take a proactive, hands-on approach that includes:

• Completing and renewing all HMO licence paperwork

• Coordinating fire safety upgrades and certification

• Conducting regular inspections with photographic records

• Managing tenant communication, contracts, and conflicts

• Providing real-time rent tracking and maintenance logs

We stay ahead of new licensing updates and council enforcement trends, so you don’t have to. Our experience managing HMOs across Cambridge—from CB1 to Chesterton—means we can quickly adapt to changes while ensuring your property stays legally let and fully tenanted.

Want proactive management for your shared property?

2025 will be a critical year for Cambridge HMO landlords. With more rules, higher standards, and sharper council oversight, it pays to have a professional in your corner.

Let Cambridge Stays handle the licensing, compliance, and communication—so you can enjoy the income without the complications.