Creating Standout Communal Spaces in Your HMO

For HMO landlords in Liverpool, one of the easiest ways to attract long-term tenants is by improving the shared spaces in your property. While most landlords focus on individual rooms, the communal areas are where your HMO can really stand out. A well-designed kitchen, lounge, or garden doesn’t just look good, it encourages tenants to stay longer, treat the property with care, and recommend it to others. Here’s how to transform your shared spaces into a selling point.

Focus on Comfort and Style

Communal spaces set the tone for the whole property. If they feel cold or thrown together, tenants are less likely to see the house as their home. But a few carefully chosen upgrades can change that. Opt for warm lighting instead of harsh ceiling bulbs, add rugs or curtains to soften the look, and use modern but durable furniture that can cope with everyday wear.

Decor doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. A fresh coat of paint, some framed wall art, and a few indoor plants can make the area more inviting. Choose neutral colours for the main décor and add pops of colour with cushions or artwork to keep things bright but easy to maintain.

Provide Practical Features Tenants Actually Use

Good looks only go so far – your tenants also need spaces to work for them. Reliable Wi-Fi is non-negotiable, especially as more people work from home. Make sure there are enough plug sockets and strong lighting so tenants can comfortably work or study in shared spaces.

In the kitchen, aim for plenty of cupboard storage and labelled shelves so tenants can keep their belongings separate. Large appliances like fridge freezers, washing machines, and tumble dryers should match the number of tenants to avoid daily queues. These details often go unnoticed when everything runs smoothly but become a major frustration when they don’t.

At Portus, part of our approach to HMO property management in Liverpool is checking that shared spaces are properly equipped to meet tenant needs before marketing a property.

Keep Communal Areas Clean and Well Maintained

Even the nicest space will quickly lose its appeal if it’s grubby or falling into disrepair. Setting up a clear cleaning rota helps keep on top of day-to-day mess, but it’s worth booking in professional cleans of shared spaces every few weeks too. This creates a consistent baseline of cleanliness, which helps prevent arguments between tenants about who’s pulling their weight.

Stay proactive with maintenance. Fix any scuffed paintwork, flickering lights, or broken furniture as soon as they crop up. Tired communal areas can make a property feel neglected and push good tenants to look elsewhere. Regular inspections also help you spot small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Encourage a Friendly, Social Atmosphere

A HMO doesn’t have to be a party house, but it should feel like a place where people can comfortably spend time together. Small touches can encourage tenants to socialise, which makes it more likely they’ll renew their tenancy.

Try leaving a welcome pack for new tenants, putting up a shared noticeboard for birthdays or local events, or adding seasonal decorations to the lounge. Even something as simple as a shared bookshelf or board games can spark conversation. When tenants get along, the whole property runs more smoothly meaning fewer disputes, less stress, and lower turnover.

Make the Most of Any Outdoor Space

If your property has a garden, courtyard, or even a small patio, treat it like another communal room. Outdoor spaces can be a huge draw when they’re well presented. Add comfortable seating, weatherproof lighting, and a few low-maintenance plants. Keep the area tidy and safe, with clear boundaries about use and upkeep.

A clean, inviting outdoor area gives tenants another place to relax, which can help ease tension inside the house and create a better overall atmosphere.

Add Features That Set Your HMO Apart

Think about what would make your communal areas memorable. This doesn’t have to be expensive – it could be a wall-mounted TV for movie nights, a coffee station in the kitchen, or a co-working nook with desks and charging points.

Little extras make tenants feel they’re getting more for their rent, which helps justify higher rates and keeps your property competitive. They’re also great selling points to highlight in your property listings and viewings.

Turn Your Communal Spaces into a Selling Point

Thoughtful, well-kept shared spaces can do more to improve your tenant retention than almost anything else. They show prospective tenants that you care about their experience and encourage long-term loyalty from the people already living there.

If you want help planning, upgrading, and maintaining your communal areas, Portus Lets can handle it for you. As an experienced HMO property management company in Liverpool, we know how to make your property stand out from the competition and keep your rooms filled.

Call us on 0151 329 3538 or email hello@portuslets.co.uk to speak with our team about full HMO property management in Liverpool.