Wales · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Blaenau Gwent

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Blaenau Gwent does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.

Mandatory HMO licenceRequired

Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.

Licence feeNot established

Blaenau Gwent sets this fee under section 63(3) of the Housing Act 2004. Its current charge is not yet recorded here.

The council’s own licensing page carries the charge that applies today — confirm it there before you budget.

Not established is not the same as free.

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 17 Aug 2026, council article modified 27 March 2026): the council HMO page describes selective licensing only as a power - "Properties that are not subject to HMO licensing could be covered under a selective licensing scheme. This is where the council may declare that certain areas... are appropriate for selective licensing". Framed as a discretionary power, not an operating scheme; only mandatory HMO licensing is described as applying. Rent Smart Wales is the separate national regime and is not conflated on the page.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (17 Aug 2026): additional licensing described only as "A discretionary power that councils may decide to apply". Mandatory HMO licensing is the operating regime. Fee not published on the page.

Common questions

Does Blaenau Gwent have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Blaenau Gwent does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Does Blaenau Gwent have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Blaenau Gwent does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Do I need an HMO licence in Blaenau Gwent?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Blaenau Gwent, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.

Check your own propertyUnderstanding licensingLetting in Wales

Welsh letting law is not English letting law. These cover what actually applies here.

All property licensing in Wales

Source: Blaenau Gwent licensing page →

Every landlord in Blaenau Gwent also needs

A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, and smoke & CO alarms. In Wales you must also be licensed with Rent Smart Wales (or use a licensed agent), issue a written occupation contract and the accompanying written statement, and comply with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — which replaced assured shorthold tenancies with occupation contracts and ended Section 21 in Wales in December 2022. The England-only How to Rent guide and Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet do not apply here.

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Landlord HQ uses AI to analyse legislation and tenancy agreements. While we work hard to ensure accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Always verify compliance requirements with a qualified solicitor. Landlord HQ is an information tool, not legal advice.

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