HMOs that need a licence
We run 2 licensing schemes for HMOs in Woking borough. These are:
- mandatory licensing scheme for large HMOs
- additional licensing scheme for small HMOs
Mandatory licensing scheme for large HMOs
Renting out a large HMO requires a mandatory licence if:
- it is rented by 5 or more people (including children) who form more than one household
- some or all tenants share basic facilities, including toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities
- at least one tenant pays rent (or their employer pays it for them)
- it is their only or main residence
A mandatory licence is needed if you're a live-in landlord with 4 or more lodgers.
To find out more, go to mandatory licensing of HMOs – GOV.UK.
Additional licensing scheme for small HMOs
Renting out a smaller HMO will require a licence from 5 January 2026.
A smaller HMO will require an additional licence if:
- it is rented by 3 or more people (including children) who form more than one household
- some or all tenants share basic facilities, including toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities
- at least one tenant pays rent (or their employer pays it for them)
- it is their only or main residence
An additional licence is needed if you're a live-in landlord with 3 or more lodgers.
For more information about this new scheme, go to additional HMO licensing scheme.
HMOs that do not require a licence
There are some types of properties that do not require an HMO licence.
For more information, go to the Housing Act 2004 Schedule 14 – Legislation.gov.uk.
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