A student HMO refurbishment upgrades a shared house let to students, using hard-wearing finishes and planned around the academic year so the work is finished before the next tenancy starts. For a house in Shirley we start with a measured survey, check the council’s written HMO standards for the number of sharers, and then price each item separately.
- Area
- West Midlands, England
- Postcodes
- B13, B14, B27 and B28
- Location
- 6 miles south-east of Birmingham
- Pricing region
- West Midlands
What does student HMO refurbishment in Shirley involve?
- Broadband and electrics upgrades
- Photo handover before move-in
- Extra bathroom or ensuites
- Hard-wearing kitchens and worktops
- Summer works programme agreed in spring
Which rules apply in Shirley?
Here is what usually applies to a Shirley job of this kind. It is general information rather than legal advice, and the council’s written HMO standards have the final detail.
- 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.
How much does student HMO refurbishment cost in Shirley?
| 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 | £4,000 – £9,000 | letting room |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £8,000 – £18,000 | kitchen |
| Shared bathroom refit | £5,500 – £9,000 | £5,500 – £9,000 | bathroom |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £800 – £2,000 | house |
| Full rewire, 4–5 bedroom house | £6,000 – £12,000 | £6,000 – £12,000 | house |
Prices in Shirley are shown with our regional adjustment for West Midlands (in line with the UK average). Your quote is itemised and fixed in writing once the scope and specification are agreed.
How long does it take?
Typical time on site: 2–8 weeks over summer. We agree the programme with you before starting and send photo updates as the work progresses.
When do Shirley landlords need it?
Typical reasons for this work in Shirley:
- The summer gap between tenancies
- Houses let to students on yearly tenancies
Questions about student HMO refurbishment in Shirley
Do student HMOs need a licence?
The same licensing rules apply as for any HMO. Many university towns also run additional licensing schemes, so we check the address.
How far do you travel from Shirley?
We cover the whole of West Midlands and work UK-wide. For Shirley the nearest towns on our list are Solihull (2 miles), Acocks Green (3 miles), Birmingham (6 miles).
Does a shared house in Shirley need an HMO licence?
In England, a mandatory licence is needed for 5 or more people from 2 or more households. Smaller HMOs can need a licence where the council runs additional licensing, which is common in towns with many shared houses. Check the council’s website for the address.
How much does student HMO refurbishment cost in Shirley?
Our guide ranges for West Midlands are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
Student HMO refurbishment near Shirley
- Solihull · 2 mi
- Acocks Green · 3 mi
- Birmingham · 6 mi
- Washwood Heath · 6 mi
- Aston · 7 mi
- Bartley Green · 8 mi
- All of West Midlands