Good WiFi makes students happy, keeps rooms filled and cuts down on late-night calls about slow internet. For big HMOs, one fast router is not enough. Mesh WiFi delivers a powerful signal through old brick walls and staircases, so every student can have a steady connection for internet surfing, video calls and even streaming. Trustworthy internet lessens the number of complaints, increases the renewals and gives a better rating online. Adding clear network details and realistic speed estimates to our student accommodation listing makes your property stand out and attracts international students who depend on steady broadband for online lectures and work. This guide is written for busy UK landlords who need practical, low-fuss advice. We cover which systems support multiple devices, how to place nodes and which features save you time and money. Read on to pick a setup that works for your HMO and keeps tenants smiling. Start with one good node today, honestly.
Which mesh system suits big HMOs?
When students all come home in the evening, everything hits the network at once. Laptops open, phones connect, TVs start streaming and someone always fires up a game console. A weak system slows down fast, and that is when complaints start.
A good mesh system spreads the load properly. It keeps speeds steady across rooms and floors, even when many devices are online together. For older UK HMOs with brick walls, this matters more than headline speed numbers.
Landlords should also think about their own time. Systems with simple apps make it easier to manage updates and spot issues without visiting the property every time someone complains.
WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E to handle busy networks
Capacity for 40 or more connected devices
Strong links between nodes for stable speeds
Easy app control for landlord management
Proven performance in brick-built houses
Choosing the right mesh system is about long-term peace of mind. Cheap kits often struggle after a year, while reliable brands keep working with regular updates. Look for strong coverage per node so you need fewer units, and check warranty terms before buying. Ask other landlords what they use in similar HMOs and learn from their experience. Place nodes in shared areas, not hidden in cupboards and use one network name so students move around without losing connection. Spending wisely here saves stress later.
How many nodes do I need?
Many landlords guess this part and get it wrong. One node too few leaves dead spots. Too many placed badly can cause interference and wasted money. The aim is even coverage, not maximum boxes on the wall.
Every HMO is different. Floor count, wall thickness and room layout all affect signal strength. A three-storey house almost always needs more than a small two-bed flat.
Before buying, walk the property and note where students spend time. Good placement matters as much as the number of nodes you install.
2 nodes for up to 4 bedrooms on one floor
3 nodes for 5 to 7 bedrooms over two floors
4 nodes for 8 to 10 bedrooms or three floors
Wired backhaul helps in thick-walled houses
Hallways and shared spaces work best
These numbers are a sensible starting point, not a rule set in stone. After installation, test the signal in every student room and shared space. If one area struggles, move a node before buying another. In long houses or older buildings, wiring one node with Ethernet can greatly improve stability. Take time to get placement right early, because once students move in, changes become harder. Careful planning here prevents months of small complaints that slowly wear you down.
Should I include WiFi in the rent?
Many UK landlords now include WiFi because it removes arguments. Students like simple bills, and landlords like fewer payment issues. For international students, knowing internet is already set up is a big relief.
If you include broadband, it must cope with real use. Cheap home plans often fail when many people stream and upload at once, leading straight back to complaints.
Clear advertising matters too. When students know what speed to expect, they are far less likely to be unhappy later.
Including WiFi simplifies bills and lettings
Business-grade plans handle peak usage better
Be clear about speeds and fair use rules
Add a small rent uplift to cover costs
Offer upgrades if demand grows
Whether to include WiFi depends on how you manage your HMO. Including it can raise rent slightly and improve demand, but only if the service is reliable. Choose packages designed for shared homes, monitor usage and upgrade when needed. Always put speed details and fair use notes in writing to avoid disputes. If WiFi is separate, guide tenants clearly on setup. Clear expectations reduce friction and help tenancies run smoothly from start to finish.
FAQs
Can mesh systems handle 40 devices at once?
Yes, modern WiFi 6 mesh systems are built for busy homes and can manage many devices when paired with the right broadband plan.
Do I need a professional installer?
Smaller HMOs can often be set up by landlords, but large or thick-walled properties benefit from professional installation and wiring.
Will better WiFi reduce complaints?
Yes. Clear speeds, good coverage and a stable mesh system cut complaints and improve renewals.
Conclusion
Let’s look at the logic here. A stable connection usually goes unnoticed, while a poor signal guarantees immediate complaints. For a landlord, installing a mesh system is the most efficient way to secure your revenue stream and keep tenants satisfied. You need to select high-spec equipment and be precise about where you place the nodes. I suggest running a diagnostic test before the move-in date and keeping a file on the network's performance. Also, transparency regarding speed is essential. When you upload your listing to StudentTenant.com, specify the mesh setup clearly. This targets tenants who value connectivity. When you combine robust hardware with accurate communication, your property management becomes a much smoother operation.