Negative perceptions about HMOs can be changed, developers insist

Community opposition to shared housing can be reversed with good management, say developers Ray Guy and Geoff Knight.

Improving standards and direct management are key to addressing the negative reputation often attributed to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), according to North West developers.

Ray Guy and Geoff Knight, who operate a number of HMOs, mostly in Liverpool, say experience has shown them that shared housing requires close oversight, including vetting tenants and maintaining the properties themselves.

Guy says: “HMOs must be managed well. We have 40 in total, and we found early on in sorting them that the only way forward is to review and manage them ourselves. Review tenants, the space and maintenance.

“It’s the only way to ensure the quality and experience for everyone involved and the upkeep of the place.”

Their latest project is the conversion of the former Park View Hotel in Grange Park, St Helens, overlooking the entrance to Taylor Park.

The property has been redeveloped as a 16-room HMO, with rooms designed to feel more like hotel suites with a sitting area and bedroom space, and serviced by three large, shared kitchens.

Guy acknowledged, however, that HMOs often attract local opposition.

HMOs, when managed well and done up to a high level are lovely places for young professionals looking for affordable accommodation.”

“We had so much support from the community when we took over the hotel, but when they learned it was going to be an HMO, they were concerned,” he told the St. Helens Star.

He believes, however, that their approach will eventually overcome the objections, saying: “I get they get a bad rep, but for me, HMOs when managed well and done up to a high level are lovely places for young professionals looking for affordable accommodation or single people to live at a lower rate than getting a flat.”

Picture: Ray Guy