HMO Conversions Made Simple
- Laura Bell
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 14
What Landlords Need to Know
Thinking about converting a property into a licensed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)? It’s one of the most popular ways to generate strong rental yields, but it’s not as simple as knocking a few walls through. HMO conversions involve strict rules around planning, safety, space, and energy performance. Get it wrong, and you could face licensing issues or costly rebuilds.
At Space Conversions, we work with landlords and investors across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and the wider North West to take the stress out of HMO projects. Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
What Counts as a HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who aren’t from the same household but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. If there are 5 or more tenants, the property requires a mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Small HMOs (up to 6 people) often fall under Permitted Development rights, but many areas now have Article 4 Directions in place. These remove PD rights and mean you’ll need full planning permission to convert a single dwelling into a HMO. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Key HMO Requirements
To comply with licensing standards and avoid enforcement action, your HMO will need to meet several criteria:
Minimum room sizes (typically 6.51 sqm for a single room)
Fire doors, smoke alarms and clear escape routes
Adequate kitchen, bathroom and toilet facilities
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated at E or higher (soon to be C under PRS reform)
Electrical safety checks (EICR) and gas safety certificates
Proper insulation, ventilation and layout
How Space Conversions Can Help
We offer tailored packages for both new HMO conversions and existing HMO upgrades. From property vetting and council liaison to layouts, builds, and compliance checks, we manage the whole process, so you don’t have to.
Our team ensures every property meets the latest safety, licensing and EPC standards. We also advise on how to future-proof for upcoming EPC Band C requirements and PRS reforms.
Need Help With Your HMO Conversion?
Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing rental, we’re here to help. With 25+ years of experience, fixed-fee packages and local expertise across the North West, we make HMO conversions simple, compliant and stress-free.
Call us today to book a free quote: 07951 509466
Serving Manchester, Bolton, Salford, Chorley, Wigan and across the North West
Comments