Landlord licensing in Cardiff

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

Fee: 1200

No selective licensing scheme is currently in force.

IMPORTANT — DIFFERENT LEGAL REGIME: Cardiff is in WALES. In addition to Housing Act 2004 HMO licensing (Cardiff Council retains powers under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004), all landlords and letting agents in Wales must ALSO comply with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, which requires Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing. Rent Smart Wales is hosted by Cardiff Council and has been the Licensing Authority for the whole of Wales since 23 November 2015. Operating without Rent Smart Wales registration/licence has been an offence since 23 November 2016 (source: rentsmart.gov.wales/en/about and srs.wales/Documents/Housing/Cardiff/HMO-Licensing-Guidance — official Cardiff Council guidance). CARDIFF ADDITIONAL HMO LICENSING SCHEMES: Cardiff Council operates TWO area-specific Additional Licensing Schemes under section 56 of the Housing Act 2004. (A) CATHAYS Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — first came into effect 1 July 2010 for 5 years; renewed 1 January 2016 for 5 years (ended January 2021); third renewal in force from 1 February 2023 for 5 years (until 31 January 2028). Covers the entire Cathays Community Ward — popular with students. (B) PLASNEWYDD Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — first came into effect 3 November 2014 for 5 years; renewed for 5 years from 1 January 2021. Set to end on 31 December 2025 with possible renewal. VERIFY current status at srs.wales before assuming this scheme is still in force. Plasnewydd encompasses much of Roath — popular with students and young professionals. WHO NEEDS AN ADDITIONAL HMO LICENCE: Within the Cathays or Plasnewydd designated areas, properties occupied by 3 or more occupiers forming 2 or more households, regardless of how many storeys the property has. Excludes owner-occupiers with up to 2 tenants. If a property within these areas already holds a Mandatory HMO Licence, no additional HMO licence is needed. MANDATORY HMO IN CARDIFF: Applies citywide. Properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2+ households sharing facilities. The 3-storey threshold has been removed in line with broader UK changes (verify with Cardiff Council). FEES: Two-part structure since 1 September 2021. Initial application fee on application; remainder payable after officer inspection. Verify current Cardiff Council HMO fee schedule at srs.wales — fees vary based on property size and number of occupants. LICENCE CONDITIONS: Fire safety, gas safety, electrical safety, structural condition, kitchen/bathroom facilities, room sizes, waste management, anti-social behaviour, energy efficiency, property security, fit and proper person test for licence holder. Application requires inspection by a Council officer. The Additional Licensing Scheme also tackles wider community issues such as waste, ASB, energy efficiency and property security. Compliance with Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing is always a condition of an HMO licence in Wales. ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION: Cardiff Council has implemented an Article 4 Direction covering CATHAYS, ROATH, and PLASNEWYDD — the city's primary student HMO zones. Within these areas, converting a standard dwelling (C3) to a small HMO (C4) requires planning permission. Cardiff applies a concentration threshold approach and may refuse permission where HMO density exceeds set thresholds. Since 25 February 2016, ALL new HMOs in Wales (small C4 3-6 persons AND large Sui Generis 7+ persons) require planning permission — previously only sui generis HMOs needed planning consent. WELSH TENANCY LAW: Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (in force since 1 December 2022), assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced with 'occupation contracts' providing tenants with enhanced security. This affects all landlords in Wales. ENFORCEMENT: Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence under the Housing Act 2004 AND the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. Civil financial penalty up to £30,000 per offence. Unlimited fine on conviction. Rent Repayment Orders. Failure of fit and proper person test can result in licence refusal. Appeals to Residential Property Tribunal Wales. CONTACT: Cardiff Council Licensing Team via srs.wales/en/Environmental-Health/Housing/HMO-Licensing/HMO-Licensing-in-Cardiff. Rent Smart Wales: rentsmart.gov.wales.