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Posted already in the HMO thread, but doesn't look like it gets much traffic... Hello Hubbers! I have been absent for a while, but logging back on to try and get some advice. I have been operating the rent a room scheme in my own 3 bedroom property for around 5 years-charging on an all inclusive basis - with certain caveats and stipulations in place with regard to energy consumption etc. Typically bills didn't increase that much and I made a tidy profit as well as someone else paying my mortgage. I am now converting the 3 bedroom flat into an HMO (Scotland based-therefore, yes, this is essential) probably with 4 bedrooms, one bathroom, large kitchen/living room plus two en suites. Currently two people are living in the property, but in the last 3 months, the bills have sky rocketed. I have identified who and what has caused this and due to contractual arrangements in place, I will be able to recoup some of the money-however I am looking to put measures in place so that this won't happen again. The bills will be more palatable with 3 or 4 people paying for rooms, but I still want to see these bills reduce-they have been astronomical. Are there any HMO landlords out there who charge on an all inclusive basis/room by room? How do you keep your energy bills down to ensure you are charging enough? Over 5 years, I haven't had a problem with this, but as I will be absent from the flat going forward-I will need to have other mechanisms in place. The property is based in Aberdeen (which as you may or may not know is going through a fairly large depression) so just putting up the rates is not an entirely feasible option. Any recommendations for smart meters, hive type devices or contractual mechanisms for over use are MOST welcome. Thanks for reading and look forward to your responses! Kind Regards, K

Hello Hubbers! I have been absent for a while, but logging back on to try and get some advice. I have been operating the rent a room scheme in my own 3 bedroom property for around 5 years-charging on an all inclusive basis - with certain caveats and stipulations in place with regard to energy consumption etc. Typically bills didn't increase that much and I made a tidy profit as well as someone else paying my mortgage. I am now converting the 3 bedroom flat into an HMO (Scotland based-therefore, yes, this is essential) probably with 4 bedrooms, one bathroom, large kitchen/living room plus two en suites. Currently two people are living in the property, but in the last 3 months, the bills have sky rocketed. I have identified who and what has caused this and due to contractual arrangements in place, I will be able to recoup some of the money-however I am looking to put measures in place so that this won't happen again. The bills will be more palatable with 3 or 4 people paying for rooms, but I still want to see these bills reduce-they have been astronomical. Are there any HMO landlords out there who charge on an all inclusive basis/room by room? How do you keep your energy bills down to ensure you are charging enough? Over 5 years, I haven't had a problem with this, but as I will be absent from the flat going forward-I will need to have other mechanisms in place. The property is based in Aberdeen (which as you may or may not know is going through a fairly large depression) so just putting up the rates is not an entirely feasible option. Any recommendations for smart meters, hive type devices or contractual mechanisms for over use are MOST welcome. Thanks for reading and look forward to your responses! Kind Regards, K

Dear Hubbers HI, I'm a HMO newbie and grateful for your advice. I've got a 6 bed HMO , 2 storey in the works . All bills will be included. I've got myself a bit confused with the type of thermostat arrangement to set up. Should I just have a single thermostat in a communal area , one on each floor or one in each room ( super pricey to set up) I'd really appreciate advice on how to keep bills down whilst making sure everyone is comfortable . Having a thermostat in each room seems like the most comprehensive solution but its the most costly. Any advice on an easy -to -use brand which has worked for you and thermostat strategy would be gratefully received. I appreciate your time Hubbers!

Hi there, providing all goes smoothly i am soon to come into possesion of a 4 bed HMO, most hmos in the local area have bills included. I am hesitant to do this thinking they'll be so wastefull and it's a lot of hasstle on my part. Also when i was a tenant i never had bills included. I was thinking of paying for internet only as it's such a delay waiting for that to arive and it can't really be abused. Am i missing a big advantage of having bills included as i just don't get why I'd do that except to compete, however i am confident there are plenty of tenants and lots of demand. Thanks

Hello all! First new topic posting from me so bear with me... I was wondering if anyone had had any experience with the E.On Landlord service? Link here - https://landlords.eonenergy.com/home?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI493FxPa71wIVlRgbCh1FdwB8EAAYAiAAEgKt3_D_BwE It seems like a great free service for landlords with multiple properties but I was wondering if it is a bit too good to be true with the 30 days free supply? I imagine they make their money by being the first to contact the new tenant and securing longer-term supply that way but was wondering if anyone had any feedback on the service either good or bad? I eagerly await any responses! Thanks, Chris

Hi, I am looking for a bit of advice on who is responsible for the utility bills as follows; 1st July rental payment received from tenant. 21st July tenant gave notice to leave (Original 6 month AST rolled over to a periodic tenancy with payments made on the 1st of the month). 21st July After reminding the tenant a one month notice is required, they agreed to pay it using their deposit. 30th July tenant move out and handed over the keys. 31st Aug End of full one month notice period (?) Is the tenant responsible for the utility and council tax bills up to the date they moved out (30th July) or up to the end of the one months notice period (31st Aug)? The property has been empty since the tenant move out. I would be grateful if someone can give me some advise on this. Thank you Richard.. PS apologies if this post is not accurate as this is my first one :-)