What is included in licence and compliance works?
Council schedules of work, electrics, sound, energy and damp. Choose a service for the detail, the rules in each nation and guide prices.
Licence condition and schedule-of-works
Licence condition works are the jobs a council asks for before or after granting an HMO licence: things like extra detection, fire doors, a second bathroom, kitchen changes or repairs. We price each item on the council’s list, carry out the work within the deadline, and give you the evidence the council asks for.
Rewires and EICR remedials
HMO electrical works keep the wiring in a shared house safe and certificated. Private landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years, and any urgent or potentially dangerous items on the report (EICR) must be fixed within the deadline. We carry out the remedials, upgrades and full rewires.
Sound insulation
HMO sound insulation reduces noise passing between letting rooms, floors and neighbours. It usually means acoustic mineral wool in walls and floors, resilient bars or isolation hangers, acoustic plasterboard and better-sealed doors. Where a building is converted, the building regulations can set sound performance too.
EPC and energy upgrades
HMO energy upgrades improve the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating and cut running costs: loft and wall insulation, heating and controls, glazing, ventilation and lighting. Rented homes must meet a minimum EPC rating, and works are best planned with the next refurbishment so they are not done twice.
Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs
Damp and mould in an HMO is usually caused by condensation, leaks or rising or penetrating damp, and often by a mix. Fixing it means finding the cause first, then repairing leaks, improving ventilation and heating, treating affected areas and making good. These issues are assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in England and Wales.
Guide prices
| Item | UK typical | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Typical allowance for minor amenity and repair items on a council list (our estimate) | £1,500 – £5,000 | house |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | door |
| EICR, 5+ bedroom house | £150 – £400 | inspection |
| Consumer unit upgrade with RCBOs and AFDDs | £700 – £1,400 | house |
| Full rewire, 4–5 bedroom house | £6,000 – £12,000 | house |
| Acoustic upgrade to a party or partition wall | £900 – £2,000 | wall |
| Acoustic ceiling or floor upgrade, 12–15 m² | £800 – £2,700 | room |
Questions
Can you meet a council deadline?
In most cases, yes, if we see the list early. Send it to us as soon as you get it and we will tell you straight away if a deadline looks tight.
How often does an HMO need an EICR?
At least every five years in England, Wales and Scotland, and HMO licence conditions in Northern Ireland ask for the same. Your licence may set extra conditions. Our HMO rules pages for each nation give the details.
Does an HMO need sound insulation by law?
Building regulations sound requirements apply to some conversions and new partitions. Outside those, sound insulation is about letting rooms well and keeping neighbours happy.
What EPC does a rented HMO need?
In England and Wales most lets must currently reach at least EPC E, and the government plans EPC C in England by 2030, subject to legislation. How an HMO is let can affect how the EPC rules apply, so check the current guidance for your property.
Is damp always rising damp?
No. In shared houses condensation is the most common cause, because of cooking, showers and drying clothes. We find the cause before recommending any treatment.