Additional HMO licensing in Cardiff
Yes. Cardiff operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Cardiff?
Yes. Cardiff operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Which areas of Cardiff does the scheme cover?
Cathays Community Ward (all HMOs). The earlier Plasnewydd designation commenced 1 January 2021 and EXPIRED 31 December 2025. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Cardiff's scheme end?
The designation runs until 31 January 2028, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
Cardiff publishes this much: Same fee schedule as mandatory. Two designations: Cathays, live from 1 February 2023 for five years, so ending on or about 31 January 2028; and Plasnewydd (Roath), live from 1 January 2021 for five years, which ended on or about 31 December 2025 and appears to have EXPIRED.
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.
What the designation says
the Cathays additional HMO licensing designation. Cabinet approved re-designation on 20 October 2022 (cardiff.moderngov.co.uk document s64283) and the scheme came into force 1 February 2023 for five years, covering all HMOs in the Cathays Community Ward; previous designations ran from 1 July 2010 and 1 January 2016. Corroborated by the Welsh Government HMO licensing statistical release noting Cathays additional licensing was reintroduced in 2023. The earlier Plasnewydd additional designation commenced 1 January 2021 and ended 31 December 2025; it is EXPIRED and must not be presented as live. Wales rule applied: Rent Smart Wales is a separate national regime and played no part in this verdict. Cardiff delivers licensing through Shared Regulatory Services with Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend. Established 20 Aug 2026.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Cardiff before letting.