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HMO Rent Arrears: How Landlords Can Recover Rent and Stay Compliant

Arrears in shared houses need extra care.

HMO Rent Arrears: How Landlords Can Recover Rent and Stay Compliant Property Management & Rentals/ Lettings

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Landlords · HMOs

HMO rent arrears

Per-roomtenancies
Ground 83 months
Licencemust be valid
Managementprevention
In short: In an HMO, arrears are handled tenant by tenant if each has their own tenancy, or jointly if they share one. Since May 2026, possession for arrears uses Section 8 grounds, with Ground 8 requiring at least three months' arrears. An unlicensed HMO can expose you to rent repayment orders and penalties, so make sure licensing is in order before taking action. Early contact, a payment plan and help with Universal Credit often solve arrears faster than court. Fraser Bond manages HMOs with rent collection and arrears handling.
Arrears check
Months owed–
To reach 3 months–

Take advice before serving notice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I evict one HMO tenant for arrears?

Yes, if they have their own tenancy.

Does licensing affect possession?

It can; make sure the HMO is licensed.

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