Help improve housing standards in shared rented homes
Residents, landlords and tenants are invited to have their say on proposals to introduce a licensing scheme to improve living conditions, safety and management in shared rented homes across the borough.
The proposed Additional Licensing Scheme would apply to small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) - properties where three or more people from two or more households share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
While larger HMOs with five or more occupants already require a licence, the council is proposing to extend licensing to smaller shared homes. This follows growing concerns about poor property conditions, ineffective management and the risk that some tenants feel unable to report problems for fear of losing their home.
If introduced, the scheme would:
- ensure small shared rented homes are safe, well-managed and meet appropriate standards
- provide tenants with greater protection against overcrowding, harassment and illegal eviction
- support landlords to better understand and meet their responsibilities
- reduce tenant turnover and help build more settled communities
- give the council powers to proactively inspect properties and tackle issues before they escalate
Beverley Kuchar, Woking Borough Council’s Strategic Director for Place, said:
Many landlords already maintain their properties to a good standard, but there are some shared homes in our borough that fall well below what’s acceptable. Tenants deserve a safe, decent and well-managed place to live.
Introducing this scheme will enable us to work proactively with landlords to improve property standards, protect vulnerable tenants and help create more settled, better-supported communities.
This is an important issue for many residents, and I encourage everyone affected, whether you rent, own, manage or live near a shared property, to have their say on this important matter.
Tell us your views by completing the survey
The consultation is open until Sunday 31 August 2025.
If introduced, the scheme would come into force from January 2026.
Briefing sessions
A series of discovery briefing sessions and drop-in events for landlords, letting agents, tenants and residents throughout the consultation period. These sessions will provide information about what it means for local communities and give people an opportunity to ask questions on the following dates.
Landlords
Tuesday 1 July, 7pm - 9pm, Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HD
Letting agents
Thursday 3 July, 10am - 12noon, Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HD
Residents
Monday 14 July, 6pm - 8pm, Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HD
Tuesday 15 July, 2pm - 4pm, St Johns Memorial Hall, St Johns, Woking GU21 7SQ
Wednesday 16 July, 10am – 12noon, Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HD
Friday 18 July, 2pm - 4pm, Byfleet Library, High Rd, Byfleet, KT14 7QN
Wednesday 23 July, 2pm – 4pm, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL
Friday 25 July, 10am – 12pm, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL
If you have any questions, please contact our Housing Standards team:
Email: propertylicensing@woking.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483 743 882