Woking is the latest council to consult on additional HMO licensing, with 2025 on track to be a record-breaking year for new schemes.
Geospatial technology company Kamma reports that so far, 26 additional and selective schemes are confirmed for launch this year, as well as 13 ongoing consultations. It says that by the end of 2025, it’s likely that there will be more than the record 28 schemes launched in 2022.
Woking’s move follows growing concerns in the town about poor property conditions, ineffective management and the risk that some tenants feel unable to report problems for fear of losing their home.
A council report explains that increasing demand has led to a number of landlords taking advantage of market conditions and, in turn, increasing the number of people living in sub-standard accommodation.
During the last three years, it has received 118 complaints and other service requests relating to small HMOs, including concerns over disrepair, overcrowding, inadequate heating and fire safety.
One elderly man had been living in the box room of a house, with no space for a bed, for 15 years. The report adds: “It is strongly believed that the conditions and management of low-quality small HMOs and unlicensed HMOs is one of the main problems in the private rented sector in Woking.”
Beverley Kuchar (pictured), strategic director for place, says: “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.”
The consultation runs until 31st August and landlords can join a drop-in session on 1st July, 7pm–9pm at the Maybury Centre. If introduced, the scheme would come into force from January 2026, with the fee for a three-year licence expected to be the same as a mandatory licence - £880.
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