7 Ways to Refresh a Bathroom in Your HMO Property

Bathrooms in HMOs see more wear and tear than those in standard rentals. With multiple tenants sharing the space, presentation and practicality both matter – a lot. Whether you’re looking to reduce complaints, attract new tenants, or improve retention, giving your bathroom a refresh doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

At Charles David Casson we support HMO landlords in Chelmsford with smart, budget-friendly updates that make a real difference.

Here are seven straightforward ways to give your shared bathroom a proper upgrade.

1. Deep Clean and Re-Seal
Before you spend a penny on improvements, get the basics spotless. A thorough clean, fresh sealant, and clean grout can transform a tired-looking bathroom.

Replace any mouldy silicone around showers, baths, or sinks. Re-grout tiles if they’re stained or crumbling. Use anti-mould paint on ceilings as shared bathrooms tend to suffer with condensation.

Tip for HMOs: Regularly resealing between tenancies can help prevent build-up and avoid long-term damage.

2. Update Fixtures and Fittings
Budget-friendly swaps like new taps or shower heads can instantly improve the look and feel. You don’t need a plumber for most of these upgrades.

Consider replacing basin and bath taps, the shower head and hose, toilet seat, and any outdated or flickering light fittings. Tenants notice the little things, and newer fittings reduce maintenance calls down the line.

3. Add a Mirror (That Works Hard!)
Mirrors do more than just reflect – they brighten the space and make it feel bigger, especially useful in shared homes where bathrooms are often compact.

Go for mirrors with built-in lighting or a shelf underneath for added function. Mirrored cabinets tick both the storage and style boxes.

4. Install Practical Storage

In shared properties, it’s easy for bathroom clutter to build up. Give tenants space to store their toiletries, and they’ll treat the space better.

Smart options include wall-mounted shelving, over-the-toilet storage racks, corner caddies for shared showers, and lockable bathroom cabinets for individual tenants if you want to go the extra mile.

5. Refresh the Walls
   Tired, marked walls drag the whole room down. A quick lick of paint in a neutral tone (think white, light grey, or soft beige) will brighten things up and appeal to more tenants.

Want to add a bit of style? Try waterproof wallpaper or patterned tiles on one feature wall – but keep it subtle to avoid turning people off.

6. Swap the Shower Curtain or Screen
   In HMOs, shower curtains can get grubby fast. Replacing them is one of the quickest wins.

Upgrade to a clean, modern shower curtain for minimal effort or go for a fixed glass screen – easier to clean, and gives a more permanent, upmarket feel.

7. Add a Few Finishing Touches
   A shared bathroom doesn’t have to feel sterile. A few considered extras can help tenants feel more at home and make the room feel looked after.

Try adding a clean bath mat (and replace it regularly), coordinated soap dispensers or toothbrush holders, and artificial plants for a pop of colour without the upkeep.

Why It’s Worth Doing
In an HMO, tenants are often quick to spot signs of poor maintenance –  especially in shared areas like bathrooms. A well-kept bathroom can help you fill rooms faster, encourage tenants to stay longer, reduce damage and complaints, and reflect better on your property standards.

At Charles David Casson, we help HMO landlords in Chelmsford manage and maintain shared properties to a high standard. We know tenants talk – and a fresh, clean bathroom always leaves a better impression.

Need help with your HMO property? Call us on 01245 835 859 or email info@charlesdavidcasson.co.uk

HMO Landlord FAQs – Bathroom Edition

Do I need to gut the bathroom to make it more appealing?
Not at all. Most of the tips above can be done in a day and without a big spend.

Can I claim tax relief for bathroom updates in my HMO?
Repairs and maintenance usually qualify, but improvements may not. Always check with your accountant.

How often should I refresh shared bathrooms in HMOs?
Every couple of years or between long-term tenancies is a good move –  especially if the bathroom is seeing heavy daily use.