Woking HMO licensing guide

Woking HMO licence — do you need one?

Woking has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Woking announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 5 January 2026

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 5 January 2026)

A new borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme came into force on 5 January 2026 and runs until 4 January 2031, requiring all HMOs with 3 or 4 tenants from 2 or more households to be licensed. The scheme was approved following a public consultation in which 80% of respondents supported the proposal.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Woking-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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HMO licensing in Woking — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Woking?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Woking runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Woking?
Woking currently has one scheme on our register: Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 5 January 2026) (from 5 January 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Woking?
The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Woking's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Woking?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Woking can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Woking?
HMO licence applications in Woking are handled by Woking Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Woking with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Woking schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Woking Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.