We have investigated the negative-parity states and electromagnetic transitions in 151,153 Ho and 151,153 Dy within the framework of the interacting boson fermion model 2 (IBFM-2). Spin assignments for some states with uncertain spin are made based on this calculation. Calculated excitation energies, electromagnetic transitions and branching ratios are compared with available experimental data and a good agreement is obtained. The model wave functions have been used to study β-decays from Ho to Dy isotones, and the calculated log f t values are close to the experimental data.