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Surface Repair for Student Accommodation and HMOs: A Landlord’s Guide

Student accommodation and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) see higher rates of surface wear and damage than standard residential properties — it’s simply a fact of high-occupancy living. For landlords, the challenge is keeping properties looking presentable, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and controlling repair costs across multiple units. Professional surface repair offers a fast, cost-effective solution that avoids the need for expensive full replacements between tenancies.

Why HMO and Student Let Surfaces Take More Punishment

Multiple occupants sharing kitchens and bathrooms inevitably leads to accelerated surface wear. Common damage in student and HMO properties includes:

  • Chips and cracks in kitchen worktops from heavy use
  • Acrylic bath chips, cracks and yellowing from frequent use
  • Enamel sink chips from dropped items
  • Ceramic and tile chips in kitchens and bathrooms
  • Scratched or stained laminate worktops
  • Damaged composite or ceramic sink bowls

The Financial Case for Repair Over Replacement

For a landlord managing multiple HMO units, replacing a chipped worktop or damaged bath can cost hundreds — and that’s before you factor in the associated plumbing or fitting costs. Professional surface repair typically costs a fraction of replacement and can be completed in a single visit. For a landlord with five or ten units, this difference adds up significantly over the course of a year.

Repair at Change of Tenancy

Many landlords choose to book a surface repair visit at the end of each tenancy, addressing accumulated damage before new tenants move in. This approach keeps properties looking their best, protects the long-term value of the asset, and reduces the likelihood of deposit disputes about pre-existing damage.

Surfaces We Repair in HMOs and Student Properties

  • Granite, quartz and laminate kitchen worktops
  • Acrylic, steel and enamel baths
  • Ceramic, composite and stainless steel sinks
  • Bathroom tiles and floor tiles
  • Shower trays and shower enclosures

We offer multi-visit discount rates for landlords managing multiple properties or units. Contact us to discuss your HMO repair requirements →