The Difference Between HMO and PBSA
Moving out of the house, living alone, and being independent is the most thrilling part of being a university student. Living alone has many benefits, but it also entails a great deal of responsibility. Before selecting the type of accommodation that best suits your needs, you should weigh the pros and cons of each, your preferences, the advantages that one housing option offers over another, and your financial situation.
There are various kinds of living environments available right now. Co-living areas, HMO buildings, PBSAs, university-owned housing, and comparable choices are a few examples. HMO and PBSA are the most widely used of these. Our guide can help if you’re having trouble deciding which one to pick. Prior to going into detail about which one you should pick, we have determined the difference between HMO and PBSA.
Find out by reading on!
What is an HMO?
Prior to delving straight into the differences, let’s start by defining HMO in order to better comprehend its relationship to PBSA. A housing situation known as a home in multiple occupations (HMO) occurs when a property is rented by more than three people. The tenants are mostly from diverse backgrounds and only gather together to rent the house. One important aspect of HMOs, also known as multiple occupancy, is the shared use of utilities and services.
Recently, there has been a growth in the popularity of this living arrangement due to its convenience and ability to reduce excessive costs. In addition, a number of housing choices, including apartments, bedsits, shared houses, and motels, are classified as HMOs.
Benefits Of Choosing HMO
Gaining an understanding of the benefits of an HMO environment will help us better understand the difference between HMO and PBSA. Since HMOs are shared living spaces, they have many advantages over other living arrangements, which makes them the preferred choice for students. These are not only extremely affordable, but they also provide students the freedom to select the lodgings that best suit their needs rather than having to settle for what’s offered on campus or what will suit their budget.
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Here are the top advantages of houses in multiple occupations:
1. Cost efficiency
Since multiple people share a single property, HMO housing is more budget-friendly than other student housing options. As the rent and utility bills are divided among all the tenants, you can avail of the low rent and enhanced affordability.
2. Freedom of choice
When the stress of finances and budgeting is off the table, you can explore more options and find an accommodation that suits your preferences and choices rather than just one that fits your budget.
Fully furnished and well equipped: HMOs are typically fully furnished and well equipped with all amenities and utilities, which makes them an incredibly convenient choice of accommodation. Especially for international students, the hustle of buying or renting for nature and managing the utilities is relieved.
3. Flexible contracts
Because the house is going to be shared by multiple people, the terms of the lease agreement become much more flexible. The owner or landlord allows more leniency in the rental agreement. Thus, students who probably don’t want to live in the same place throughout the duration of their course can find other housing options conveniently.
4. Privacy
In spite of sharing several common areas and utilities, the tenants in Multiple Occupancy have private bedrooms, which allows them to experience the privacy to relax, rejuvenate, or study.
5. Social interaction
More often than not, the tenants hail from different backgrounds and cultures, which allows students to interact with their peers and introduce themselves to new cultures. Additionally, it will enable students to form bonds with people of diverse social backgrounds, leading to social and emotional development.
What Is PBSA?
Gaining a knowledge of the precise meaning of PBSA is the next step towards appreciating the distinction between HMO and PBSA. The meaning of purpose-built student housing is exactly as its name suggests. It is a particularly created lodging option made to meet the demands and specifications of students.
The student’s preferences are taken into consideration throughout the entire accommodation plan. The main distinction between PBSA and on-campus housing is that whereas on-campus housing is nearly always owned by the college administration, PBSA may or may not be owned by the university. Students choose PBSAs since they come equipped with all the amenities that would make a student’s life easier. They also have a variety of options, including shared flats, ensuites, and studios.
Benefits Of Choosing PBSA
Once you’ve understood the basic idea of PBSA, let us move on to its benefits to university students.
1. Security
Since PBSA is a housing option explicitly designed for students, it includes all the facilities that would make an international student feel comfortable and safe. There are 24/7 security measures taken by the authorities, CCTV cameras installed, and constant checks at the entry and exit points.
2. All-inclusive
Students can rest assured that the cost of accommodation that they pay at PBSA will be all-inclusive of utilities, like electricity, Wi-Fi, water, heating, and more.
3. Maintenance
Compared to an HMO or private living option, PBSA typically offers cleaning and housekeeping services to help students maintain their living spaces. This reduces the responsibility of extra household work, and students can focus on their studies in a carefree manner.
4. Flexibility
Students can choose the tenure of their stay according to their preferences. They can choose to stay the entire academic year or for a few months as well.
5. Facilities
To ensure that students find ample sources of recreation, the authorities at PBSA facilitate game rooms, rooftop patios, theatres, lounges, common areas, dedicated study areas and shared kitchens, where students can interact and bond with their peers.
6. Networking and connection opportunities
Since you know the accommodation only houses other students, you can interact with them and introduce yourself to different courses and avenues. This can enable you to build a strong network that may help in your professional career in the long run.
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The Difference Between HMO and PBSA
The following table summarizes the difference between HMO & PBSA at a glance.
HMO | PBSA |
It is a shared living space where more than three people rent the same house. | It is a specifically designed accommodation facility for students’ needs and comfort. |
Individual rent is quite affordable since the total amount is split between multiple people. | The rent may or may not be affordable depending on the type of accommodation chosen. |
Tenants may have to pay extra for utilities and other facilities. | Basic facilities and utilities are typically involved in the cost of accommodation at a PBSA. |
Tenants have to take up responsibilities of housekeeping, cleaning and overall maintenance. | Authorities often offer cleaning services and maintenance facilities, which are included in the rent. |
You can experience added flexibility in choosing your flatmates. | You may not be allowed to choose your roommates, as you could be allotted a housing space available at the time of booking. |
Tenants usually have private bedrooms, which ensure their privacy. | Students may not have a private bedroom, depending on the type of housing option they choose. |
The HMO housing option selected may or may not be near the campus. | PBSAs are typically located on or near the campus, so students can reduce the time and cost of commuting. |
HMOs tend to offer more independence and leniency, along with responsibilities and work. | PBSAs offer more convenience and a comfortable stay but may impose constraints on the students. |
Should You Choose HMO Or PBSA?
After learning the differences between PBSA and HMO, you can easily decide which is best for you. Moving out of the house for the first time as a first-year student should ideally take place in a PBSA. You may be sure of a more convenient stay, better amenities, and utilities because these are made with students in mind. Additionally, PBSAs are the safer and more secure choice for someone who is new to another nation. You can investigate HMOs and other private housing possibilities after you’ve gotten some experience and been familiar with the local way of life.
Make sure you have carefully examined your money and budget to ascertain what kinds of lodging facilities you can afford before making a decision on either. Next, take a close look at the property and familiarize yourself with its features and services. you secure your safety and accurately assess the living area, make sure you schedule a physical tour and meet the landlord or owner.
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Frequently Asked Questions?
Why is PBSA better for students?
PBSA is a preferable option since it is safer, more convenient, and has all the utilities.
Why should I choose HMO?
HMOs are affordable living solutions that offer more independence, flexibility, and leniency, which make them a preferred option among private housing.
What is PBSA?
PBSA, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, is a housing facility specifically designed to keep the needs and comfort of students in mind.