New licensing scheme to improve housing standards approved
Plans to introduce an additional licensing scheme for smaller shared rented homes across the borough were approved, following a public consultation earlier this year.
The scheme, which was agreed at last night’s Executive meeting (Thursday 11 September), will apply to smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). These are properties where three or more people from two or more households share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Larger HMOs with five or more occupants are already subject to mandatory licensing.
The decision follows growing concerns about poor property conditions, inadequate management and the risk that some tenants feel unable to report problems for fear of eviction.
The new scheme will:
- 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.
Speaking about the decision, Cllr Liam Lyons, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulation, said:
This scheme is about fairness, safety and accountability. Everyone deserves a decent place to live, and by extending licensing to cover smaller shared homes, we’re taking a proactive approach to raising standards and protecting tenants.
We know many landlords already do a great job, and this scheme will help ensure consistency across the board. It’s also about supporting landlords with clear guidance and helping build stronger, more stable communities across Woking.
A total of 177 responses to the consultation were received. Notably, 76% of private tenants strongly agreed with the council taking action to improve HMO management, and 80% of all respondents supported the proposal.
The consultation was supported by a wide range of engagement activities, including drop-in sessions, targeted leafleting, posters, social media, direct emails to landlords and an article in the National Residential Landlords Association newsletter.
The new additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs will commence on 1 January 2026.
To find out more about the scheme and what it means for you, contact the Housing Standards team at propertylicensing@woking.gov.uk or 01483 743882.