Accountant for HMO landlords

Figures checked 11 October 2026 against GOV.UK and HMRC guidance.

What costs can HMO landlords claim?

• Utilities, broadband and council tax you pay as part of a bills-inclusive rent
• HMO licence fees and fire-safety compliance costs (GOV.UK HMO licensing)
• Cleaning and maintenance of communal areas
• Replacing furniture and appliances in rooms and shared kitchens
• Management fees and room-by-room letting costs

How is HMO income taxed?

Is an HMO taxed differently from a normal buy-to-let?

Not in principle. The income is property income and the same rules on allowable expenses and finance costs apply. The difference is in the detail: more categories of cost and more items of furniture.

Can I claim capital allowances on an HMO?

Capital allowances are not available for items inside a dwelling. In some HMOs, plant and machinery in genuinely communal areas that are not part of any dwelling can qualify. Whether that applies depends on the layout, so we review it property by property.

I live in the house and let rooms. Is that an HMO?

It may still need a licence, but for tax you may be able to use rent-a-room relief instead of normal property income rules. GOV.UK: rent a room in your home

Do I charge VAT?

Residential lettings are generally exempt from VAT, so most HMO landlords do not register. Serviced accommodation and short lets can be different, so tell us if you offer services beyond a standard let.

What is included

• Accounts for each HMO, with income tracked by room where useful
• Bills-inclusive cost tracking
• Replacement of domestic items relief claims (HMRC PIM3200)
• Review of communal-area capital allowances
• Your Self Assessment return, MTD updates or company accounts

Fees

HMO accounting is quoted as a fixed fee. Shared houses take more work than single lets, so the quote depends on the number of rooms, bills and licences involved. How our fees work.