September always feels a little bit like a second New Year to me.

Everyone returns from holidays feeling supercharged and ready to dive into the final quarter of the year, take another step towards those goals, tick a few more boxes off the Trello to-do list and finally complete some of those exciting projects we have been working on.

And I have to say, we have been incredibly spoiled with sunshine this summer, so our batteries really should be fully charged by now.

That perhaps even includes all the working parents who have spent the summer juggling work, school holidays, childcare and the constant mission of entertaining the children while somehow trying to create some truly special memories along the way.

I feel very lucky that we managed to create some beautiful moments with our children this summer.

I keep a little travel journal when we go away and, looking through it recently, this note from one of our days in Greece brought me straight back there.

Notes from Greece

A page from my summer travel journal

I have certainly fallen in love with this country. It feels nothing like tourist overcrowded Tenerife or Málaga. It feels so much more easy and natural and organic. 

Today was day for Torquay blue waters. I discovered that I really like riding boats (genuine size boats, not a tiny paddle boats) or maybe I would be happy with paddle boat in these waters, who knows.

Amanda is making sandcastles now and I am sitting on beautiful log washed by the sea.

It’s slowly cooling down now but today was really hot and the wind in the sea have some long hoped breeze and air. I really understand why people eat dinner at 10 pm here

There are cats here everywhere. Thankfully I packed and as allergy medicine, but first 2 days she got rash on face even with highest medicine dose. She washes her hands all the time now.

The hills we can see across the sea is part mainland Greece part Albania. It really is breathtaking beauty. People travel the sea in yachts a lot and park by the bay and come for delicious dinner at the shore.

I have watched so many interesting people in these days, you know how I love silently watching people. Yesterday a couple in late 30ies came by the boat from the yacht to the restaurant where me and Amanda were eating. Beautiful couple.

The sea is washing in Amanda’s sandcastle now, she is battling the water, but I doubt she will be a winner in this battle.

I had a traditional Corfu dish for dinner today, beef stew. It was absolutely brilliant. You can see it in photos with very disgraceful photo of me bubbling up the dinner. I could not finish it. I could easily fast in this heat, but I have such an urge to try the Greek dishes. tzatziki here is amazing, like wow. 

Amanda rushing me back to hotel now, she wants to see the football game tonight

And somehow, just like Amanda’s sandcastle disappearing into the sea, summer seems to disappear incredibly quickly too.

September Brings New Energy – Especially for Property Projects

Coming back to work, I can really feel a different energy.

I feel as though all our property projects have been rolling slowly forward throughout the summer like snowballs – and now everyone is ready to finally build the snowman.

Everything inevitably takes that little bit longer during summer. Contractors go on holiday, team members and colleagues take annual leave, suppliers slow down and the property industry generally seems to move at a slightly different pace.

Then September arrives.

And suddenly everyone is ready to GO.

This September is particularly exciting for us because we are developing something that I believe could help a lot of HMO landlords.

Introducing Our HMO Property Set-Up and HMO Compliance Review Service

At Prime Property Care, our main focus has traditionally been professional HMO property management.

However, over the years we have realised that not every HMO landlord wants or needs full property management.

Many landlords genuinely enjoy managing their properties themselves.

They may live nearby, have good relationships with their tenants and be perfectly comfortable arranging maintenance, collecting rent and dealing with the everyday management of the property.

What they sometimes need isn’t another managing agent.

They simply need an HMO specialist to look at their property with a fresh pair of eyes.

That is why we are developing our HMO Property Set-Up and HMO Compliance Review service.

The idea is simple.

You continue managing your property.

We help you identify potential gaps in its HMO set-up, management processes, documentation and compliance arrangements.

Can a Beautiful HMO Still Be Non-Compliant?

Absolutely – and this is something landlords don’t always realise.

One of the most important things I want to emphasise is that a compliance issue does not automatically mean someone is a bad landlord.

We regularly see properties where the landlord has clearly invested significant amounts of money.

The house is beautifully decorated.

Maintenance is completed.

The tenants are looked after.

The bedrooms and communal areas are immaculate.

From the outside, everything looks perfect.

This is where gaps can begin to appear.

The property itself might be in exceptional condition.

The landlord simply hasn’t been given the right HMO-specific guidance.

HMO Fire Safety Is Much More Than Installing Smoke Alarms

One of the biggest areas of misunderstanding we encounter is HMO fire safety.

Installing smoke alarms and fire doors is not necessarily the end of the landlord’s responsibilities.

Fire precautions have to remain effective.

Depending on the individual property and the precautions required, there may be ongoing requirements around inspection, testing, servicing, maintenance and record keeping.

The exact requirements will always depend on the individual property, its layout, occupancy, licensing arrangements and fire precautions.

That is why a generic checklist downloaded from the internet isn’t necessarily enough.

“My HMO Was Inspected by the Council, So Surely It Is Compliant?”

This is something we hear surprisingly often.

A council inspection and the granting of an HMO licence are obviously important.

However, they shouldn’t be treated as a permanent guarantee that everything within the property will remain compliant for the duration of the licence.

HMO compliance is an ongoing management responsibility.

“Can I demonstrate that my HMO is being properly managed and its compliance requirements are being maintained today?”

The question that matters now — not only when the property was licensed

Why HMO Compliance Can Be Difficult for Landlords to Navigate

I genuinely sympathise with landlords on this point.

The rules surrounding HMO properties aren’t always presented in a simple, easy-to-follow document.

There can be several layers to consider: legislation, HMO licence conditions, local authority standards, fire-safety guidance, property-specific risk assessments and the individual characteristics of the building itself.

Licence conditions may also refer landlords to external guidance, including established fire-safety guidance for residential properties.

A landlord running another business or working full time isn’t realistically going to spend hundreds of hours studying every page of technical guidance and legislation relating to HMO property management.

But unfortunately, not knowing that a requirement exists doesn’t necessarily remove the landlord’s responsibility.

This is exactly where specialist HMO advice can be valuable.

What About HMOs Managed by High-Street Letting Agents?

Compliance gaps aren’t limited to properties managed directly by landlords.

We have also reviewed HMOs managed by traditional letting agents where important HMO-specific processes or records weren’t readily available.

That doesn’t necessarily make them bad letting agents.

HMO management is simply a specialist area.

Managing a conventional single-let property and professionally managing a licensed HMO are very different things.

A traditional letting agent may be excellent at advertising properties, referencing tenants, preparing tenancy documentation and collecting rent.

HMO property management introduces another layer of responsibility.

For example, we sometimes encounter missing or incomplete routine fire alarm testing records, servicing documentation that isn’t readily available, emergency lighting testing that hasn’t been appropriately recorded or inadequate systems for inspecting and documenting the condition of fire doors.

On paper, these can look like little administrative details.

In reality, good records can be extremely important.

If something goes wrong, or if a local authority asks for evidence of how the property has been managed, a landlord should ideally be able to demonstrate what was checked, when it was checked, whether a defect was identified and what was done about it.

What Would an HMO Compliance Review Include?

Our aim is to make the process practical rather than overwhelming.

A landlord does not necessarily need to hand their HMO over to Prime Property Care for full management.

Instead, we can review the property and its existing management arrangements from an HMO specialist’s perspective.

Depending on the property and scope agreed, this could involve reviewing areas such as the physical HMO set-up, available compliance documentation, HMO licence conditions, fire-safety arrangements, existing inspection and testing records, management procedures and areas where additional specialist advice or action may be required.

The landlord can then receive a clear action plan.

We aren’t fire risk assessors, electricians or fire alarm engineers, and we don’t pretend to be.

Where specialist professional assessment is required, part of good HMO management is recognising that requirement and ensuring the right competent person becomes involved.

Setting Up a New HMO? Get the Foundations Right First

The other area where we believe this service could be particularly valuable is new HMO property set-up.

If you are currently renovating, converting or preparing a property to operate as an HMO, getting professional HMO management input before tenants move in can save a considerable amount of work later.

We can look at the proposed property from a practical management perspective.

Sometimes a small adjustment during the property set-up stage can prevent a much larger problem once the HMO is occupied.

It is considerably easier to get the foundations right before five or six tenants have already moved in.

Increased HMO Enforcement Makes Good Compliance Even More Important

Local authorities have significant enforcement powers in relation to HMO licensing, housing standards and property management, and breaches can carry serious consequences, including financial penalties in appropriate circumstances.

For landlords, this makes proactive compliance increasingly important.

But the purpose of an HMO compliance review shouldn’t simply be avoiding a fine.

If we review a property and find that everything is beautifully organised, fantastic.

If we identify ten small things that need attention, that is also a positive outcome.

The landlord now knows about them.

And if something more significant is identified, it is much better to discover it during a proactive review than following an incident or enforcement visit.

Good HMO Landlords Deserve Good HMO Guidance

This is probably the biggest reason I am excited about developing this service.

There are so many genuinely good landlords.

Sometimes what is missing isn’t care or investment.

It is simply knowledge of one particular licence condition, test, inspection, record or management requirement.

A detailed HMO compliance review could identify those gaps and give the landlord a much clearer path forward.

And that is exactly where I believe an experienced HMO property management company can add value.

Do You Need Help With Your HMO Property?

So yes – summer probably is behind us.

The holidays are ending.

The children are returning to school.

Contractors are coming back.

Our Trello boards are becoming considerably busier.

And those snowballs that have been rolling around all summer are finally starting to look like snowmen.

For us at Prime Property Care, the final quarter of the year will be about completing some exciting HMO projects, continuing to professionally manage the properties already entrusted to us and helping more landlords understand and improve the way their HMOs are set up and managed.

<p>The post HMO Compliance and Property Set-Up: Helping Landlords Get Their HMO on the Right Track first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

Section 8, Not Section 21

A lot of the public discussion around the Act focused heavily on the abolition of Section 21 notices, but in reality, we do not think this is the biggest issue landlords and property managers will face. If anything, most good landlords were never looking to remove good tenants without reason anyway. The real question will be whether the Section 8 process genuinely improves and whether gaining possession from genuinely problematic tenants becomes quicker and more practical than it was under the old system.

The government promised a fairer and faster system, but only time will tell if this works in practice. Realistically, we probably will not know the true impact of the legislation for another year or two.

The Short-Term Stay Problem

However, one issue has already become very clear almost immediately — the rise of short-term minded applicants trying to use HMO properties as hotels or Airbnb alternatives.

As we manage a large number of HMO properties across Central London, we are already seeing a noticeable increase in enquiries from people openly looking for very short stays through platforms like SpareRoom. When we explain that we are looking for long-term tenants who genuinely want to become part of the household and community, we are often met with responses like:

“But the Renters’ Rights Act allows me to stay for two months only.”

Technically, yes — under the new rules, a tenant could hand in notice almost immediately after moving in. But there is a big difference between what is legally possible and what is ethical or respectful towards the existing household.

Impact on HMO Communities

Most of our HMOs are stable homes where many housemates have lived together happily for years. Some residents have been in the property for over two years and genuinely value the community feel, respectful atmosphere, and consistency within the home. Introducing a revolving door of short-term occupants every couple of months completely changes that dynamic.

Sadly, the Renters’ Rights Act was created to protect tenants — not to create loopholes for holidaymakers, serial short-term renters, or people treating professional house shares like temporary hotel accommodation.

And because not everyone openly admits they only plan to stay for a couple of months, landlords and agents are already starting to adapt their approach.

How Landlords Are Responding

One of the biggest changes we are reviewing across some of our Central London properties is reducing the amount of furniture provided. Rooms and studios that were previously fully furnished with beautiful furniture are increasingly being advertised as partly furnished instead.

Why? Because fully furnished rooms naturally attract more short-term interest. People looking for temporary accommodation often want the convenience of simply arriving with a suitcase. By offering partly furnished accommodation, landlords are trying to encourage more genuine long-term tenants instead.

Ironically, this means the good and reliable tenants are often the ones affected most. The tenants who genuinely wanted a beautiful fully furnished long-term home may now have fewer options because landlords are trying to protect themselves from short-term occupancy abuse.

Who Really Feels the Impact

Of course, no system will ever completely “bulletproof” a property from unethical tenants or people with poor intentions. But the people most affected by this situation are often not even the landlords — it is the other residents within the property.

Anyone who has lived in a shared home knows how important the atmosphere and household dynamic can be. It is difficult to maintain a strong community feel when people move in with no intention of staying, no care for communal spaces, and little interest in respecting the people they live with.

Early Takeaways

After only one month of the Act being in force, it already feels like some parts of the legislation were not fully thought through in practice. Good landlords and good tenants ultimately want very similar things — stable homes, respectful behaviour, long-term security, and well-maintained properties.

Unfortunately, there is growing concern across the industry that the legislation may unintentionally create more instability instead of less, while pushing more responsible landlords out of the market altogether.

Only time will tell how this all unfolds, but the first month has certainly been… interesting.

<p>The post The Renters’ Rights Act Saga – The First Month in Practice first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

However, in practice, we are increasingly seeing a very different reality unfold — one where the changes are unintentionally making life more difficult for many tenants.

One of the most noticeable trends is a growing number of landlords deciding to step away from the rental market altogether.

These are often not large portfolio landlords, but smaller, long-term property owners — individuals who may own one or two properties and have been renting them out for many years. Many of them have had stable tenants living in their properties for over a decade.

Faced with increasing regulation, legal complexity, and the potential for lengthy and costly court processes, these landlords are making a difficult decision:

• Sell the property
• Leave it empty
• Or move to short-term lets such as Airbnb to reduce risk

As a result, tenants who have lived in these homes for 10+ years are suddenly being asked to leave — not because they have done anything wrong, but because the system itself has become too burdensome for the landlord.

We are also seeing a significant increase in Section 21 Notice being served.

This is happening as landlords prepare for the anticipated abolition of Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Act. Many are acting now, while they still have the option, rather than risk being tied into situations that may become harder to manage in the future.

This includes:

• Tenants who are not ideal but have not breached tenancy terms significantly
• Tenants who may not maintain the property well
• Tenants who are simply difficult to manage

Previously, these situations might have been tolerated. Now, landlords are taking a more cautious approach — removing risk before the new system comes into force.

Perhaps the most immediate and visible impact is the tightening of tenant referencing criteria.

As landlords anticipate greater difficulty in regaining possession of their property if something goes wrong, they are significantly increasing their screening standards.

Common requirements now include:

• Minimum 6+ months in current employment
• Income of at least 3x the monthly rent
• No CCJs — often not even settled ones
• Strong previous landlord references
• A guarantor (increasingly expected as standard)

For many tenants, especially those who are self-employed, early in their careers, or recovering from past financial challenges, these requirements are becoming nearly impossible to meet.

The Guarantor Expectation: The New Normal

The demand for guarantors has risen sharply.

From a landlord’s perspective, this is understandable. If eviction becomes slower and more complex, the financial risk of rent arrears increases significantly.

But from a tenant’s perspective, this creates a new barrier:

• Not everyone has access to a suitable guarantor
• Many tenants feel uncomfortable asking friends or family
• International tenants are particularly affected

This shift is quietly excluding a large portion of the rental market.

The result of all these changes is a growing group of tenants who are struggling to secure housing:

• Long-term tenants being displaced
• “Average” tenants who no longer meet stricter criteria
• Tenants with minor past financial issues being filtered out
• Good tenants without guarantors being rejected

In many cases, these are not problematic tenants — they are simply people who no longer fit into a system that has become far more risk-averse.

While the intention behind the Renters’ Rights Act is to protect tenants, the reality is that it is also:

• Reducing rental supply
• Increasing competition for available homes
• Encouraging stricter landlord behaviour
• Making access to housing more difficult for many

Landlords are adapting to risk. And when risk increases, so do barriers.

If the goal is to create a fairer and more stable rental market, it is crucial to recognise these unintended consequences.

A balanced system must:

• Protect tenants
• But also keep landlords engaged in the market
• Ensure enforcement is fair and efficient
• Avoid pushing risk to a point where access to housing becomes restricted

Because ultimately, when landlords leave and criteria tighten, it is tenants who feel the impact first.

<p>The post Renters’ Rights Act: Helping Tenants — or Quietly Making Things Harder? first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

Many people make the same mistakes: placing the extender in the wrong spot, connecting to the wrong WiFi, or expecting it to magically fix poor internet.

This guide explains how to place it, connect to it, and check the connection, step-by-step.

1. Where to Place the WiFi Extender

The most important rule: Place the extender about halfway between your router and the room where you need better WiFi.

If you put it:

• Too close to the router → it won’t extend far enough.
• Too close to your room → it won’t have a strong enough signal to repeat.

Best Placement Tips:

• Use a hallway or an open area midway between router and room.
• Avoid thick walls, fridges, microwaves, or big metal objects nearby.
• Place it higher up if possible (e.g., on a shelf, not on the floor).
• Plug it into a regular, always-on socket (not one controlled by a wall switch).

If the extender has signal lights:

• Green or blue = good signal.
• Red or no light = poor signal — move the extender closer to the router.

2. How to Connect to the Extender

Once the extender is set up, you must connect your device to the extender’s WiFi, not to the router directly.

The WiFi name will stay the same as provided. Do not rename it. Other tenants may also use it, and it needs to remain consistent across the property.

If there are multiple networks available (if you have main router with multiple extenders), always select the network that is strongest for your location.

Your device may not automatically switch — you may need to manually choose the network with the strongest signal.

3. How to Test Internet Speed

Sometimes, weak WiFi isn’t the problem — the actual internet speed from the provider might be slow. Here’s how you can check:

Steps to Test Internet Speed:

1. Stand close to the router (within a few meters).
2. Make sure you are connected to the main router’s WiFi (not the extender).
3. Open the Ookla Speedtest app (free to download on Android and iPhone).
4. Press “Go” to start the speed test.
5. When the test finishes, take a screenshot showing the download and upload speeds.
6. Send us the screenshot.

What Speed to Expect:

• Good Connection:
  • Download speed: 50 Mbps or more.
  • Upload speed: 10 Mbps or more.
  • Streaming, video calls, browsing should be smooth.
• Poor Connection:
  • Download speed: less than 10 Mbps.
  • Upload speed: less than 2 Mbps.
  • May experience buffering, dropouts, slow loading.

If your speed test shows poor results close to the router, we will need to investigate further and may raise a support case with the internet provider.

4. Important Things to Remember

• Place the extender halfway between the router and your room.
• Connect your devices to the WiFi network with the best signal
• Test speed close to the router before reporting WiFi issues.
• Understand that extenders only repeat the internet connection they receive — they do not improve poor internet coming from the provider.

Final Tip

Setting up a WiFi extender properly and understanding the real internet speed will make a huge difference to your experience.

Follow the steps above and reach out if you need help. We’re always happy to assist if there’s a real connection problem!

<p>The post How to Set Up a WiFi Extender (Properly!) first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

Let’s explore the major changes and what they mean for the industry.

Key Changes Under the Renters’ Rights Bill

1. Removal of Section 21 (‘No-Fault’ Evictions)

2. Updates to Section 8 (Longer Notice Periods)

3. Introduction of Open-Ended Tenancies

4. Allowance for Pets in Rental Properties

5. Mandatory Acceptance of Tenants Receiving Housing Benefits

6. Increased Council Powers to Access Information

7. Regulation of Rent Increases (Section 13 Updates)

8. Stricter Penalties for Landlords Providing Substandard Housing

Removal of Section 21 and Updates to Section 8

The removal of Section 21 is arguably the most controversial change. After 12 years in the private rental sector managing properties in London, I can confidently say that Section 21 has rarely been used arbitrarily. In most cases, landlords serve a Section 21 notice for legitimate reasons, such as breaches of tenancy agreements or the need to sell the property.

However, the potential for misuse has always existed. I have experienced this firsthand as a tenant when I faced a retaliatory Section 21 notice after reporting ventilation and mold issues to the council. Although the notice was illegal, I opted to move rather than endure the stress of court proceedings. For situations like mine, the removal of Section 21 is a step in the right direction.

That said, Section 8 updates bring their own challenges. While it’s possible to regain possession for breaches of tenancy or to sell a property, longer notice periods and higher court fees could make the process more arduous. If a tenant stops paying rent, landlords may face up to a year without rental income, which is a major concern.

Recommendation: Landlords should implement stricter referencing processes, including requiring UK-based guarantors, to minimize risks. Though Section 8 has its drawbacks, its streamlined online process for possession orders (compared to the paperwork-heavy Section 21) could offer some benefits.

Pets in Rental Properties

The mandate to allow pets in rental properties is another significant change. For HMO properties, this is less of a concern as pets will remain prohibited due to the shared nature of these homes. For single-let properties, allowing pets could be beneficial if balanced with higher deposits or slight rent increases to cover potential wear and tear.

However, this policy could inadvertently slow down the rate of homeownership. For many families, the desire to own a home is often driven by restrictions on pets in rental housing. By making rental properties more pet-friendly, the government could inadvertently reduce the urgency for families to purchase homes.

Mandatory Acceptance of Housing Benefit Tenants

While landlords will now be required to consider tenants on housing benefits, this will not override the need for robust referencing. Tenants must still pass affordability checks, right-to-rent checks, and demonstrate a history of good behavior. Those who fail to meet these criteria will likely remain ineligible. It’s important to note that the government cannot force landlords to accept tenants who fail to pass referencing.

Open-Ended Tenancies

Under the new rules, tenancies will begin as rolling monthly agreements, with tenants required to give two months’ notice. This could have a major impact on the HMO market, potentially encouraging shorter stays.

To mitigate this, landlords might consider strategies such as offering incentives for long-term tenancies or adjusting offerings (e.g., unfurnished HMOs) to attract more committed tenants. However, such changes could lead to longer void periods, so careful planning is needed.

Rent Regulation (Section 13 Updates)

Rent increases will now only be permitted 12 months after the start of a tenancy or the last rent increase. This could lead to disputes if landlords propose significant increases. To avoid conflicts, landlords should consider modest, annual rent increases (e.g., £15-£20 per year) rather than waiting several years and proposing larger adjustments.

Stricter Penalties for Rogue Landlords

Stricter fines for landlords providing substandard housing are a welcome measure for improving housing quality. However, clarity is needed on the definition of “stricter rules” to ensure that responsible landlords are not burdened by excessive compliance requirements. The rental sector already involves a significant amount of regulation, and additional demands could deter investment in rental properties.

Increased Council Powers

One particularly concerning aspect of the Renters’ Rights Bill is the expanded power for councils to access estate agent records without restriction. This appears to conflict with GDPR regulations, raising questions about tenant and landlord privacy. Greater transparency on how these powers will be implemented is essential.

Final Thoughts: Challenges and Opportunities

The Renters’ Rights Bill has created uncertainty, with many landlords considering selling their properties or exploring alternative investments. However, with careful planning and adaptation, it is possible to navigate these changes successfully.

By adopting robust tenant screening processes, maintaining compliance, and exploring innovative strategies to enhance tenant satisfaction, landlords can continue to thrive in this evolving landscape. The key is to stay informed, proactive, and open to change.

The Renters’ Rights Bill has the potential to improve the rental industry, but it will require collaboration and adaptability from all stakeholders to ensure its success.

<p>The post The Renters’ Rights Bill: What Landlords Need to Know first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

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As a family, we began our hiking adventure on November 8, 2020 – the day we celebrated my husband’s birthday. What started as a simple birthday hike has turned into a cherished family tradition that has brought us closer and allowed us to explore the beauty of nature together.

Our Milestones

– 149 Tracks Recorded

– 494.9 Miles Covered (approx. 796.8 km)

– 40,327 Feet Climbed (approx. 12,291.9 meters)

– 21 Days, 9 Hours, 51 Minutes Adventured (about 514 hours)

Nature and Business: A Perfect Blend

Running my own business has been both fulfilling and challenging. Balancing work and family life is no small feat, but our hikes have provided a peaceful escape from the daily hustle. I love nature, and being able to mix work with the calm of the outdoors has been amazing.

Often, I find myself solving work problems and handling tasks even while on the trails. It’s a reminder that there is more to life than just office work. The fresh air, the sound of birds, and the rustle of leaves provide the perfect setting for both family time and creative thinking. These moments in nature have sparked some of my best business ideas and solutions.

A Journey of Perseverance and Joy

From our first hikes with a buggy for our little ones to now, where our kids hike on their own, the change has been incredible. Seeing them grow from toddlers who needed help to confident young hikers mirrors my own journey in business. It took patience, encouragement, and a lot of support to get where we are today. Each step on the trail is a step towards personal and professional growth.

One of the most amazing things is how much we’ve climbed. We’ve climbed 40,327 feet in total, which is deeper than the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world’s oceans at about 36,070 feet. Knowing we’ve climbed higher than the deepest place on Earth is truly inspiring!

Creating Lasting Memories

Our hiking journey is about more than just physical milestones; it’s about the emotional and spiritual growth we experience together. The trails have taught us resilience and the beauty of perseverance. We’ve climbed the equivalent of the Empire State Building nearly 28 times and covered more distance than the length of the Nile River within Egypt.

These experiences have strengthened our family bond and created a treasure of memories that we will cherish forever. We have countless photos from our hikes, capturing not just the stunning landscapes but also the special moments of our children’s growth. The parallels between running a business and hiking are clear—both need resilience, determination, and a clear vision of the goal.

A Personal Reflection

These hikes have been a journey of growth not just for our children, but for us as parents and professionals. Watching our kids grow from needing help to becoming confident hikers is a reminder of the passage of time and the importance of making the most of each moment. For me, it’s a blend of the work I love and the nature I cherish, creating a perfect balance between my professional and personal life.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope our story inspires you to start your own adventures, whatever they may be. Here’s to many more miles, mountains, and memories ahead!

Warmly, Ilva and family.

<p>The post Our Family’s Hiking Journey: Milestones, Memories and Growth first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

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I guess it is not a secret that for the last few months, everyone in the HMO industry has been buzzing about the upcoming HMO Awards 2024 that took place on the 31st of May 2024.

Appreciating the industry leaders

This is an exciting time for everyone in the HMO industry as the Awards recognise so many people who contribute towards the HMO industry. People who keep raising the standards of the HMO properties and services related to them. The Awards include many different categories to recognise all aspects of the industry such as HMO developers, interior designers, providers of services and hardware such as thermostats, technology and inventories, HMO finance providers, HMO agencies, managers, and HMO education providers. There is even a category for creating sustainability in HMO properties. If you wish to see a full list, you can find it here: https://hmoawards.com/

Improving the industry and having fun!

So why are such Awards necessary in the industry? Well, first of all, because it’s fun. The HMO industry is a very serious business that brings a ton of responsibility to people providing and managing HMO properties. That’s why bringing in a pinch of fun in the ever-so-regulated and weighty business is a great idea. Secondly, having such Awards yearly keeps bringing the standards and capabilities of the HMO industry to much higher levels every single year.

It is a great way for industry leaders to reflect on what they are doing great and what they could still improve. As the questionnaires for all of the categories at the Awards are very detailed, it is a great way to reflect on your business and ask yourself an important question of what we can do better but also recognise what we are already doing great. 

Great opportunity for up-and-comers

The Awards are also a great way to recognise the best industry leaders but also, in a way, help small and medium-sized businesses grow and get recognised. Very often, young and new agencies are well-managed and have a refreshing impact on the industry. Whenever someone implements a novelty in the industry regarding how they manage their workflow or advertise their properties etc., it helps other agencies to notice the positive impact it brings and implement it into their own actions and strategies. Being recognised at such a Ceremony gives the smaller agencies recognition and boosts their growth. This is beneficial for the whole industry.

Best Agency at HMO Awards 2024!

At Prime Property Care we have been working extremely hard helping landlords and managing HMO properties in London and we are honoured to announce that we have been chosen as London’s Best Agency! The whole team is extremely proud of what we have accomplished and being recognised in such a nationwide event meant the world to us and motivates us hugely to constantly improve and change the HMO industry for the best!

We have been working relentlessly for the past 12 years to provide significant value for the Landlords and to create a homely environment for our tenants which they are proud to call their home. We have always attempted to implement our friendly, open-minded and positive attitude in the properties we manage and we are extremely happy that this unique approach is helping in improving the industry and people’s lives.

Network, connect and get inspired!

Another great thing about the Ceremony is that it is a great way to meet other HMO specialists and learn from each other. The HMO Awards is a whole-day event with different educational presentations on the agenda so it is a great way to get inspired, meet new friends and learn how to keep improving the HMO industry together. Click here to learn how to choose the right HMO Management company for your portfolio.

The future of the industry

We have been managing HMO properties in London for the last 12 years and we have seen the industry change a lot and for the most part, we have seen it improved. The HMO Management market currently provides better-managed, safer homes that are provided to tenants as an exceptional experience. These are the properties that simply meet tenants’ needs. I can certainly say that pushing the industry standards is important to keep growing and thriving as a whole industry. HMO properties are very unique to the UK as not many countries have such a model where tenants can rent a room or an en-suite in a licensed property, where they do not need to worry about the bills, the furniture or maintenance – everything is so simple, easy and ready for the tenant to move and enjoy that charm of an HMO property. In most other countries in Europe, you won’t be able to simply rent just a room. If you want to rent just a room, you would need to find a group of friends you want to rent the whole property with and manage all the bills and services. So having a yearly event that celebrates and drives such a unique and much-needed industry forward is an absolute blessing and necessity. And we are honored to be a part of it.

<p>The post Best Agency in London at HMO Awards 2024 first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

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The biggest challenges when self-managing an HMO

Well, there are many things that can go wrong when self-managing the HMO property without much experience, but some of the most overwhelming issues for the landlords are the never-ending tenant communication and the ongoing maintenance of the communal areas.

Since the communal areas are shared, you will likely get a phone call every time the light bulb burns out, the Internet is too slow or someone left some dirty dishes in the sink. 

Here are 5 dos and don’ts when self-managing an HMO property.

1. Systemize and automate as much as possible

Systematizing maintenance tasks in communal areas is one of the most useful steps you can take when managing an HMO property. Knowing what is happening at the property is so important. Getting photos from your regular housekeeper, testing fire alarms, keeping a spare toolbox and some light bulbs at the property, sending automated reminders about the bin collection dates, rent payment dates, and house policies, managing the use of energy and many many more. These are all issues that you will need to repetitively address when self-managing your HMO.

Hence it is so crucial to automate those messages as much as possible. Realistically, the biggest time and energy investment is at the very beginning when setting up your HMO property. This would be creating all your automated email templates, policies, and house rules, but once that is all sorted, the day-to-day management will be much easier. 

2. Tailored communication channels for various concerns

I have seen many landlords creating WhatsApp groups to manage tenant communication but this is just a way to encourage your tenants to complain about every smallest thing and even complain about each other’s day-to-day life habits. I would strongly recommend setting up an online link where tenants can submit any maintenance enquiries as well as creating a separate email address which tenants can use to contact you for any other queries besides maintenance.

3. Bespoke HMO management app

My best recommendation, however, would be to sign up for a bespoke HMO management app that already provides solutions for submitting maintenance issues and tenant communication.

4. Grow your network of local tradespeople

The next thing that I would recommend if you are self-managing your HMO property, is to get to know local tradespeople, for example, local plumbers, electricians and builders. 

Check out the notice boards in local corner shops, and ask your friends if they know any good tradespeople in the area. And if possible, attend some local business networking groups where local tradespeople would usually attend. 

This way you always have a list of people to contact when needed. 

5. Emergency action plan: be ready for anything

Another thing to consider when self-managing your HMO property is to have an action plan in case of an emergency. If you work full-time and cannot always pick up the phone, you might need to consider a plan for scenarios like water leaks, no heating, electrical emergencies or even fire. These are the situations that have to be dealt with immediately and having a person you can rely on who can help to sort these out is essential. 

In summary, being prepared by getting things set up and systemised from the very beginning will save you lots of time and stress later on when things can get more complicated… 

<p>The post Self-managing HMO property: 5 unique methods first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

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The search for the ideal tenant

Dealing with uncleanliness of the tenants in your HMO Property can have massive implications on the whole household. We often hear, at the property events, the ”Property Gurus” claim they have the perfect formula for finding responsible, understanding, kind, respectful, clean, and tidy tenants for HMO properties. The kind of tenant who always leaves the communal areas and their room spotless… But is this achievable? Can we truly ascertain a person’s cleanliness and tidiness after only a few meetings, especially when we haven’t visited their current home?

Identifying the root of the issue

We have been managing HMO properties for a decade now, and I can certainly say that it is not a walk in the park; it requires hands-on dedication. It’s understandable because, essentially, you’re bringing together five strangers under one roof—individuals who don’t know each other, and whom you don’t know either—and it’s really up to them to make it work.

However, there are measures you can proactively and reactively implement to mitigate the possibility of tenants being untidy.

Thorough referencing process

From my experience, I can certainly say that it’s possible to identify a kind, understanding, and respectful person during viewings and the referencing process. Our referencing procedure is quite thorough to ensure the person truly embodies these qualities and treats both the landlord and us seriously. We invest extra time before viewings to understand the person’s situation. During the viewing, we engage them in discussions, addressing any important questions.

Then, we have a follow-up phone call to discuss house rules, our and their values, and other financial details. Once we have sorted out financial matters and references, we arrange another video interview to reiterate house rules, rent payments, and values. This comprehensive process helps us determine if the person’s personality aligns with the tenants we seek for our HMO properties.

However, this process won’t reveal how clean and tidy a person is. Trust me, after a decade in this field, I can confirm that during referencing, everyone claims to be clean and tidy. But reality doesn’t always align with these statements.

Other characteristics to look out for

I can also confirm that a person’s gender or age doesn’t indicate their cleanliness. So what should you look out for? Can you judge from their appearance? Perhaps slightly, but it’s highly improbable.

If the person comes to the viewing in slightly dirty clothes (unless they are work clothes from a construction site, etc.) that are wrinkled and smelly, it’s a clear indication that they may not be the cleanest person ever. However, this would happen extremely rarely. While most people take care of their appearance, it doesn’t necessarily correlate with their cleanliness standards in the kitchen and bathroom.

And the truth is, you can’t predict if a person will maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and bathroom until they actually start living in your property. Even if they assure you they will, there’s no guarantee they’ll follow through.

How to approach dealing with uncleanliness?

So, what do you do if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve rented out your high-end, stylish, modern HMO room to someone who isn’t particularly tidy? They don’t empty the bins, leave the oven and cooker covered in food leftovers after every use, and the floor is littered with breadcrumbs and tomato sauce. Moreover, the bathroom is filled with hair, beard trimmings, soap scum, and limescale. It’s not a pleasant sight at all, and the other tenants who strive to maintain cleanliness are becoming frustrated.

Or perhaps you discover that there are multiple tenants contributing to the mess. And this happens right at the beginning of the tenancy, with many months still left on the lease.

Well, here is what we have found to work effectively.

1. Identify the messy tenant.

Firstly, it is crucial to identify the person responsible for the mess at the property. This may require questioning everyone and regularly inspecting communal areas for cleanliness. As a last resort, a full property inspection can be arranged, where the state of the tenants’ rooms can often reveal who is contributing to the mess in communal areas.

2. Inform all tenants the cleaning issues.

We have learned the importance of promptly informing all tenants whenever communal areas are found messy. This involves sharing photos of the mess and any dirty dishes, reminding everyone of the cleaning rules and mutual respect. You can also simply ask in the email whose are the dirty items left in the shared areas. There have been instances where we have had to email photos of the mess, overflowing bins, and dirty dishes to all tenants twice a week to address the situation.

3. Remind the rule tenants agreed to.

Once you have identified who this person is, communicate directly with them (while also sending emails to all tenants each time communal areas are found messy). Remind the tenant of the prior conversations you had regarding cleanliness, the terms of the tenancy agreement, and house rules before their tenancy even started. Give them time to improve their behaviour.

During this period still visit the property as often as possible and perhaps ask another trusted tenant to keep a close eye to see if the situation improves. If there’s a significant improvement, that’s encouraging. However, if it does not improve within 2 weeks, talk to the person individually again.  Offer them the option to terminate the tenancy early without penalty if they are unwilling to maintain cleanliness standards. Clearly, they do not want to live in a clean environment.

4. Offer alternative solutions to struggling tenants.

If the initial step of the referencing process has not failed and the person really is understanding, kind, respectful and responsible but struggles with cleaning habits then they may either improve or choose to leave. In many cases, tenants may proactively approach us, expressing frustration with cleanliness-related emails and realizing that the property isn’t the right fit for them. In instances of dealing with a messy tenant, I would recommend visiting the property twice a week to assess the condition of the kitchen and the bathroom and promptly send emails everytime you find those areas dirty.

This approach ensures that tenants understand the importance placed on tidiness. And indeed, maintaining cleanliness should be a top priority in a shared property, out of respect for all tenants and for the property itself.

<p>The post Dealing with Uncleanliness: 4 Best Strategies for HMO Properties first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>

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The Misconception of Landlords as Pet Haters

Discussions about allowing pets in HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) properties often depict landlords unfavorably in the media. At the same time, regulators consider laws to limit landlords’ discretion on this issue. However, such portrayals miss the complex considerations involved in shared living spaces. Decisions about pets in these environments go beyond personal preferences, focusing instead on ensuring harmony among tenants and the well-being of the pets.

Considering Everyone’s Well-Being

In shared properties, the harmony and health of all tenants are paramount. Introducing a pet into this environment means considering potential allergies, phobias, or other health issues tenants might have. It’s not just about allergies; some individuals may experience severe anxiety around animals due to past traumas. Therefore, a landlord’s decision must balance the desires of pet-loving tenants with the needs of those who might be adversely affected.

We’ve experienced situations where a well-behaved cat became a cherished member of the shared household, enhancing the living experience for all. However, this only worked because every tenant agreed, illustrating that pets in shared spaces can be positive when carefully managed.

The Shared Dilemma About Pets in HMO Properties

Some landlords toy with the idea of a ‘common pet,’ one that belongs to the household rather than an individual. While intriguing, this approach is fraught with challenges, not least because of the responsibility and ownership issues it raises. A pet needs a dedicated caregiver, making shared ownership in a rental setting impractical.

Prioritizing the Pet’s Needs

Before approving a pet, several practical considerations must be addressed:

• Can the tenant provide adequate care?
• Is there enough space, especially for larger animals?
• Room size often dictates whether a pet can be comfortably accommodated, particularly in the case of larger dogs.
• Prospective pet-owning tenants should consult guidelines, like those provided by the RSPCA, to ensure their pets can thrive in the available space.

Property Concerns and Practicalities

With all tenants on board and space deemed sufficient, attention turns to property and furnishings. Landlords might consider asking pet-owning tenants to provide their own furniture and possibly pay a larger deposit to cover potential damages, adhering to legal deposit limits.

Debunking the Myth

Contrary to the stereotype, many landlords are pet enthusiasts themselves. Our team at Prime Property Care, for example, includes numerous pet owners. Deciding on pets in rental properties, particularly shared ones, requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a positive outcome for everyone involved.

The Verdict

Owning a pet brings joy but also significant responsibility, especially in the context of shared rental properties. It’s about finding a balance that respects the needs of all tenants, the pet, and the property itself.

<p>The post Pets in HMO Properties: A Balanced View first appeared on Prime Property Care.</p>