Full HMO refurbishment across Kent

In short: A full HMO refurbishment brings a tired or non-compliant shared house back up to standard in one project: strip-out, repairs, new kitchens and bathrooms, fire safety, electrics, heating, decoration and flooring. Across Kent, the work is planned around England’s HMO rules and the standards the local council publishes.

Nation: England
Pricing region: South East
Postcode areas: TN, CT, ME, DA
Main towns: Saint Peters, Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What does full HMO refurbishment in Kent involve?

Fire doors, detection and escape route upgrades
Condition survey and schedule of works
Strip-out and making good
Damp and mould repairs
Rewire or electrical upgrades
New or refitted kitchens and bathrooms

Which rules apply in Kent?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, civil penalties reach £40,000 for offences such as running an unlicensed HMO.
Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
Fire precautions follow a risk assessment; the LACORS Housing – Fire Safety guide (2008) is guidance, not law, but many councils base their standards on it.
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years; remedial work is due within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
Councils can fine up to £7,000 where a Category 1 hazard is not removed when it reasonably could have been.

Councils in England can add additional licensing and Article 4 directions on top of the national rules. Check the council’s website for the exact address before you buy or start work.

How much does full HMO refurbishment cost in Kent?

Regional adjustment for South East. Planning budgets: see our prices page.
Item	UK typical	Local guide	Per
Full refurbishment per letting room, with a share of communal areas (excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate)	£4,000 – £9,000	£4,500 – £10,100	letting room
Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges)	£8,000 – £18,000	£8,950 – £20,150	kitchen
Shared bathroom refit	£5,500 – £9,000	£6,150 – £10,100	bathroom
Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides)	£800 – £2,000	£900 – £2,250	house
Full rewire, 4–5 bedroom house	£6,000 – £12,000	£6,700 – £13,450	house

Typical time on site: 4–12 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.

Full HMO refurbishment by town in Kent

Questions about full HMO refurbishment in Kent

Can you refurbish an HMO while tenants live there?

Sometimes, room by room, with the escape route kept clear and the fire alarm working at all times. For heavier work it is usually quicker and safer to do it with the house empty. We plan the phasing with you.

How much does a full HMO refurbishment cost?

It depends on size and condition. Our guide prices page shows typical UK ranges per room and per square metre, and we give a fixed written quote after a site visit.

Do you carry out full HMO refurbishment across Kent?

Yes, across the whole of Kent, including Saint Peters, Maidstone, Gillingham.

Who licenses HMOs in Kent?

HMOs in Kent are licensed by the local council for the address. Where an area has several councils, each runs its own licensing and planning policies.