We’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to safe, good quality housing.
Over 20% of our residents live in the private rented sector. Many of these residents live in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) –properties where people from different households share facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
While many HMOs are well managed, some are not. Poorly managed properties can have serious impacts on the health, safety and wellbeing of private tenants and their neighbours. We also know that some tenants worry about reporting problems.
We're proposing to introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households.
The consultation ends on Sunday 31 August 2025.
All responses will be reviewed and the results reported to the Executive which will decide whether or not to implement the scheme.
How to take part in the consultation
There are 2 ways you can take part.
Complete the consultation survey online
Before completing the consultation survey, we recommend that you read the proposal document.
Download the proposal document
The survey will take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You can complete the consultation survey online.
Drop-in to one of our consultation events
At these events, you will be able to:
- find out more about the proposals
- speak to our Housing Standards team
- complete the consultation
| Event open to | Date | Opening times | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlords | Tuesday 1 July 2025 | 7pm to 9pm | Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking, GU21 5HD |
| Letting agents | Thursday 3 July 2025 | 10am to 12pm | Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking, GU21 5HD |
| Residents | Monday 14 July 2025 | 6pm to 8pm | Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking, GU21 5HD |
| Residents | Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 2pm to 4pm | St John’s Memorial Hall, St John’s, Woking, GU21 7SQ |
| Residents | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | 10am to 12pm | Maybury Centre, 27 Board School Road, Woking, GU21 5HD |
| Residents | Friday 18 July 2025 | 2pm to 4pm | Byfleet Library, High Rd, Byfleet, KT14 7QN |
| Residents | Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 2pm to 4pm | Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, GU21 6YL |
| Residents | Friday 25 July 2025 | 10am to 12pm | Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, GU21 6YL |
Summary of the Additional HMO Licensing Scheme proposal
About HMOs
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a rented property where:
- 3 or more people live together
- they are from 2 or more households
- they share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
Properties with 5 or more people from 2 or more households already need a Mandatory HMO licence.
What we're proposing
We are proposing to introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households.
The proposed scheme aims to:
- improve housing conditions and safety in smaller HMOs
- make sure landlords manage these homes professionally
- protect vulnerable tenants who may feel unable to report problems
- tackle poor management, overcrowding, harassment and illegal evictions
If approved, the scheme would start in January 2026 and would cover the whole borough.
Options we have considered
We considered other approaches but have ruled them out. These include:
- Do nothing: This would leave smaller HMOs unregulated unless complaints are made, and some tenants fear reporting issues.
- Accreditation scheme: Voluntary schemes attract good landlords, but those needing improvement rarely join.
- Selective licensing: Too broad, would divert focus from the properties causing most concern.
- Licensing by area only: Issues exist borough-wide, so a consistent approach is fairer and more effective.
What the Additional HMO Licensing Scheme aims to do
If the scheme is approved, it aims to provide:
- better managed properties and improved living conditions
- more professional landlords who meet their legal responsibilities
- clear standards for tenants to expect from their housing
- reduced turnover of tenants, creating more settled communities
- action against bad landlords operating illegally or irresponsibly
- reduce exploitation of tenants through overcrowding, harassment or eviction threats