Guildford has the highest concentration of HMOs in Surrey, driven by the University of Surrey's 15,000 students and Guildford's position as a major business hub. Areas including Burpham, Merrow, Onslow Village, Stoughton and Bellfields all have significant student HMO concentrations. Guildford Borough Council actively enforces HMO licensing requirements and carries out regular compliance inspections.
HMO landlords in Guildford
Every HMO in Guildford requires a fire risk assessment compliant with BS 9792:2025. Guildford Borough Council requires a valid fire risk assessment for all HMO licence applications. The Council's HMO licensing team regularly inspects properties and can impose additional fire safety conditions. Areas around the University of Surrey campus — Burpham, Merrow, Onslow Village and Stoughton — have the highest HMO density and the most active enforcement.
Commercial premises in Guildford
Guildford has a substantial commercial base including the Friary Shopping Centre, Guildford Business Park, Slyfield Industrial Estate and significant office developments along the A3 corridor. All commercial premises require current fire risk assessments under the Fire Safety Order.
"The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed."
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Article 9. Enforced by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service across Guildford and the surrounding area. FireCertificates connects you with a certified assessor for any Guildford property.