Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

HMOs are privately rented properties occupied by 3 or more people not part of the same household.

Apply for or renew a HMO licence

A HMO licence is valid for up to 3 years and is subject to you meeting our licensing and housing standards requirements.

If you rent out more than one HMO, you will need a separate licence for each property. This includes a building where there are a number of self-contained flats.

The cost for each licence depends on: 

  • the type of licence – mandatory or additional licence
  • if it is a new application or a renewal

To find the licensing costs, go to: 

Documents you need to show us

For all licence applications or renewals, you will need to provide us with the following:

  • a floor plan of the property (a line drawing including dimensions)
  • an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  • a Gas Safe Certificate (if applicable)

Extra documents needed for a mandatory HMO licence

You must also provide us with:

  • a fire risk assessment
  • an automatic fire detection certificate
  • a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) certificate

View or download the document below for guidance on completing your HMO licence application.

Guide to HMO licence applications (PDF, 758.2 KB)

Apply for a new licence online

You can use our online form to apply for a new mandatory or additional HMO licence.

Start now

Renew your licence online

You can renew an existing mandatory HMO licence online.

Renew your licence – GOV.UK

Application process

Mandatory HMO licences

The application process should take no longer than 8 weeks once your application has been validated. We will inform you if it may take longer. 

Additional HMO licences

An application process may take longer at the start of the scheme due to the number of applications expected. We will process them as quickly as possible.

Contact our Housing Standards team

Contact us if you want advice about HMO licences and the legislation.

Email: housing.standards@woking.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01483 743 882