Thinking about starting up an accommodation business in Woking Borough? It is recommended that you first contact the regional tourist board for this area - Tourism South East (TSE).
TSE can help you to market your business more widely than in just the local area, access subsidised training opportunities, gain practical help with the formal responsibilities of running an accommodation business, and comply within current legal requirements.
In addition, by registering with the Quality in Tourism, or AA, grading scheme, you will benefit from national and international marketing opportunities, and gain an independent, well-recognised quality rating for your business.
Planning permission and business rates
Contact Woking Borough Council's Planning Team to check that you will not be in breach of regulations if you start to charge for guest accommodation within your home (you may need to apply for a 'change of use' to your premises, for example).
Business rates may be payable if you offer accommodation and also live within the premises.
When starting a new business, it is important to establish your position regarding income tax. Contact the Inland Revenue for advice.
Setting up a new food business
As a business serving food, you will need to register with the Environmental Health team at Woking Borough Council, by completing a Food Registration Form. An Environmental Health Officer will then arrange to visit your premises to advise you on best practice for food hygiene. More information on new food businesses can be found on this website.
Your liability to guests and the public
it is strongly recommended that you obtain quotes from insurers for Public Liability Insurance (suggested minimum cover £5m) to protect yourself and your property from unexpected claims. Also consider how you will accommodate your guests' cars, and any other potentially adverse effects on your neighbours.
The current Fire Safety Order requires anyone offering sleeping accommodation to undertake a risk assessment as a minimum requirement, and there may be others for more complex establishments. Contact Surrey Fire Service for more advice.
As a 'private hotel' you can choose your guests but not if you are discriminating against them. Find out more on the Government's Equality Office website. It is recommended that you have a cancellation procedure, which you must make clear to guests before accepting any booking, and all serviced and self-catering accommodation must, by law, keep a record of all guests over the age of 16.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
It is an offence for you to knowingly or recklessly make false statements about any facilities or services you offer. See the Surrey County Council website for more information on trading law.
If you are going to offer the use of additional facilities, such a phoneline or wireless broadband within the premises, it is also recommended that you provide details of sample charges to your guests in advance.
Please note that the advice contained on these pages is intended as a guide only, and does not constitute a comprehensive list of all legislation for accommodation providers.