Southampton HMO

Southampton HMO Surveyor operates as a specialist firm dedicated to assisting landlords in Southampton with Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) compliance and licensing. The company provides a straightforward and cost-effective approach to navigating the regulatory landscape for properties designated as HMOs. Its core service revolves around offering independent HMO surveys, which are crucial for landlords seeking to meet local council requirements and potentially benefit from reduced licensing fees. The firm is officially recognised and listed as an approved independent HMO surveyor by Southampton City Council, ensuring that its services align with the city's specific criteria for valid applications.

The regulatory environment for HMOs in Southampton involves distinct licensing schemes. Properties housing five or more individuals who form more than one household are classified as Mandatory HMOs and require licensing every five years. Additionally, a new scheme is scheduled to commence in September 2025, introducing additional licensing for 3 and 4-bed properties in most areas of the city. Landlords will have a three-month window following mid-September 2025 to submit their applications under this new scheme.

Southampton HMO Surveyor offers inspections under several specific circumstances, including for newly acquired HMO properties tenanted within the last three months, properties that have undergone changes necessitating a license update, 3 or 4-bed properties requiring licensing under the upcoming scheme, and Mandatory HMOs (5+ tenants) where the license has expired or is nearing expiration. A key offering from Southampton HMO Surveyor is the "Independent Surveyor Route," designed to guide landlords through the compliance process. To utilise this service, landlords must arrange for a survey and commit to completing any required works within a three-month timeframe. During this period, it is also essential for landlords to ensure they possess valid gas and electrical certificates and have their application form prepared.

Once the necessary works are completed to the required standard, the firm issues a Certificate of Compliance. This certificate then enables landlords to apply for their HMO license at a significantly reduced fee, as stipulated by Southampton City Council. The independent surveyor route is an incentive offered by the council for timely and compliant applications. The firm's qualifications to undertake HMO surveys are in accordance with criteria set out by Southampton City Council.

The council mandates that chosen surveyors must comply with these criteria for an application to be valid and for landlords to avoid paying the full council fee. Beyond its specialised HMO compliance services, Southampton HMO Surveyor also provides other property-related surveying services. These include Buy-To-Let Building Surveys, which assist property investors in assessing potential acquisitions, and Damp Surveys, addressing common structural and environmental concerns within properties. The firm's comprehensive approach aims to support landlords in maintaining property standards and adhering to local regulations.