Experts explain why so many HMOs are springing up across Warrington

Each week is seeing applications coming before the council and being approved to convert existing properties into houses of multiple occupation.

To explain why, we spoke to the Martyn and Katy Toft – a husband and wife team whose property management business MWT Property was recently commended at the national NMO Awards.

“Warrington has a strong demand for HMO rooms due to the growing local economy,” Martyn said.

“We have many tenants that are employed over at the Omega development, and as the healthcare system gets busier, we also house tenants that work in those settings too.

An example of a HMO managed by Martyn and Katy

“Our HMOs are all tenanted by full-time, working professionals in healthcare, warehousing, hospitality, administration and home working.

“In some of our owned and managed properties, we provide home working spaces, and all our houses have good Wi-Fi included in the rent.

“Our tenants enjoy paying just once, with all of their bills included. They like the flexibility living in a house share gives them, and some have no ambition to get on the property ladder or pay rent with bills on top.

“Granted, this style of living is not for everyone, but our tenants enjoy living in well managed properties, many of whom have stayed with us for over five years now and recommend us to their friends.”

When the Warrington Guardian features stories on properties in the town being converted into HMOs, the reaction from readers can be described as mixed at best.

An example of a HMO managed by Martyn and Katy

On this, Martyn continued: “I 100 per cent understand the concerns, but for me it is all about the management and location.

“A number of people will think of HMOs and will immediately think of anti-social behaviour and the stench of cannabis, because they only hear about the bad stuff that goes on in ‘some’ house shares.

“But with ours and some others, they are well managed and the tenants are properly referenced before being placed.

“Maintenance is kept on top of through ourselves and our professional team of trades, our cleaners go in at regular intervals to take care of communal areas, and they are all compliant against the most up-to-date legislation.

“We have also got very good relationships with neighbouring properties too – our neighbours know that the house share or single let rental next to them is well managed, which puts them at ease.”

Martyn and Katy Toft run MWT Property

So, what does the future hold for HMOs? Will they continue in popularity and number?

“As the Warrington economy continues to grow and attract employment, employees will always need accommodation, and well managed accommodation at that,” Martyn added.

“HMOs, and other accommodation, will inevitably increase to meet that demand.

“I am sure there will be more legislation we will need to adhere to, and rightly so, and we will adapt again like we have in the past.

“I am a strong advocate though that any HMO needs to be managed properly, like we do, and needs to be in the correct location for the benefit of all stakeholders.”