by Dakota Murphey
Privacy is a fundamental right that becomes increasingly complex in multi-occupancy properties. Whatever type of building you’re managing, prioritising people’s privacy can present certain challenges from firming up the security entry points in communal areas to ensuring that frosted glass is used in ground-floor bathroom windows.
So, whether it’s fixing fences, adding secure locks, or repairing glass panes on windows, residents in multi-occupancy properties want reassurance that their privacy is respected. This article looks at how to successfully protect both individual and communal privacy and safety.
Manage Communal Spaces
Many people openly admit to being fascinated by property with an unhealthy interest in other peoples’ homes despite having no plans to move. Viewing homes on Rightmove or other online estate agents without actually wanting to buy a property, move or rent a new place is more common than you might realise. With that in mind, it’s not surprising if people living in a multi-occupancy property you’re overseeing will want to know that the building is properly safeguarded and maintained to prevent anyone from seeing into their living areas.
This is especially true when it comes to properties that might have been converted into separate living areas to accommodate a group of tenants. These multiple residences are also known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). They cater to a variety of occupants, from students to professionals seeking more affordable housing. However, it’s important to note that owning an HMO comes with a set of regulations that landlords must adhere to
Guarantee Total Privacy
In properties any rooms or spaces where occupants will expect total privacy, such as the downstairs bathroom, cloakroom, lounge, communal halls and external balconies or gardens. No one wants to feel as if their private living spaces are on view to passers-by. Arguably, in a large, shared property with multiple people living close together in often small quarters, the residents’ privacy is more important so it’s important to manage windows, walls, and doors to ensure that security or privacy is never compromised.
For occupants in shared HMOs, landlords, owners, and managers are also well aware of the increased wear and tear on a building. Therefore, when reconfiguring, renovating, and upgrading rooms, ensure that privacy is considered during the refurbishments. A modern and well-appointed bathroom can be a valuable asset, but its potential is diminished if it lacks adequate privacy. Windows with clear glass can compromise privacy while in a shared living environment, where personal space is limited, be sure to make design choices that maximise privacy when fitting windows, adapting walls, or updating internal and external doors.
Adapt and Boost Privacy
Anyone living in a HMO property deserves the right to privacy and to know that they are living in a building that is regulated by the UK Government. If there is any type of anti-social behaviour or disruption to privacy, such as too much noise or other infringements, then tenants will receive advice on reporting anti-social behaviour. It is essential to manage or make any changes to a property to make occupants feel safe and protected.
This sense of privacy and security actually extends beyond physical safety and encompasses people’s wellbeing and personal space because everyone prefers to feel in control of their overall living space. There are additional ways to boost the privacy and security of occupants by providing access to keys, carefully managing communal spaces, and controlling visitor access. In addition, the risks include theft, damage to items, lock damage, vandalism, and compromised tenant safety.
Therefore, managers and owners need to track key possession and evaluate the durability of locks so it’s important to conduct security surveys and evaluate doors, windows, and fitting. Several practical measures can significantly improve privacy in multi-occupancy properties. Secure electronic access control systems provide an essential first line of defence in protecting residents' privacy.
Property managers should also advise clients to invest in robust locks that are advanced and easy for residents to use. Privacy-enhancing window treatments are crucial in preventing unwanted external visibility. Residents should be provided with or recommended privacy solutions that allow natural light while preventing direct visual access from outside. Such systems limit entry to only authorised individuals, preventing unauthorised access and creating a sense of security for all residents. High-quality individual locks on personal living spaces ensure that each resident has complete control over their immediate environment.
Comply with Requests
Property landlords or managers will expect to be granted access to a building if they need to make repairs, assist with long-term storage solutions, and maintain areas that aren’t deemed as private. All HMO owners are responsible for ensuring that they have a valid licence and they must comply with the conditions of any licence granted for the property.
Strategic use of frosted or glazed glass and carefully planned partitioning in shared spaces can create natural separations that respect individual privacy. Opaque glass-like windows provide maximum concealment. You might opt for decorative window films or prefer adjustable solutions that let in some light in darker rooms.
Whatever method you choose, your aim is to effectively prevent unwanted external viewing while maintaining natural light and aesthetic appeal. Several innovative approaches can transform your windows into private sanctuaries:
- Window Films: High-quality window films provide exceptional privacy without sacrificing light. These versatile solutions allow natural illumination while completely obscuring external views.
- Frosted Glass Options: Frosted glass remains a timeless and cost-effective privacy solution. Modern designs offer decorative patterns that transform plain glass into stylish, obscured surfaces.
- Blinds: Soft, textured blinds in complementary colour palettes offer a dual benefit of privacy and interior design harmony. Linen and luxurious materials can create a sophisticated look while blocking external visibility.
- Shutters are a popular addition and, in addition to offering privacy via variable slats, they work well to regulate light, provide extra insulation.
Respect People’s Privacy
Effective privacy protection starts with communication. Building managers should ideally prioritise advance written notice at least 24-48 hours before any planned inspections or maintenance work to ensure residents can prepare accordingly. Communication channels must be carefully managed to protect personal contact information and ensure residents feel secure in their interactions with property management.
Protecting privacy ultimately depends on creating a culture of mutual respect. This requires encouraging open communication channels where residents feel comfortable expressing privacy concerns. Property management must respond promptly and empathetically to any privacy-related issues and know how to manage disputes. Each resident's personal space must be treated with the utmost respect, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of their home environment.
Exterior spaces and gardens require equally careful consideration to balance openness with privacy. There are some simple yet effective landscaping ideas to add privacy to gardens, such as planting fast-growing hedges, high conifers to provide quick privacy, natural and pretty screens and high fences. Creating green barriers that provide visual separation between different areas. Designing outdoor spaces with distinct zones allows residents to choose between social interaction and personal retreat. Lighting design should prioritise safety while avoiding invasive illumination that might feel intrusive or uncomfortable.
Protecting privacy in multi-occupancy properties requires good communication, creating and overseeing a living environment where residents feel both secure and valued. Privacy is not just about physical boundaries, it's about creating a sense of personal safety which is more important in a shared building where people need to live together and be mindful of each other’s right to privacy too.