Additional HMO licensing in Conwy
Yes. Conwy 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.
What the designation says
Conwy operates a small additional HMO licensing scheme covering two streets. The Conwy County Borough Council Additional Licensing (Houses in Multiple Occupation Marine Road and South Parade, Pensarn) Scheme 2025 was made on 27 July 2025, came into force on 1 October 2025 and ceases to have effect on 30 September 2030. It applies to all houses in multiple occupation on Marine Road and South Parade in Pensarn, Abergele, other than those exempted by the Housing Act 2004 and those already licensed under mandatory HMO licensing. This is a street-level designation rather than a county-wide one, so a property elsewhere in Conwy is not caught by it and only mandatory HMO licensing applies there. Landlords in Wales must also register and be licensed through Rent Smart Wales, which is a separate requirement.
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 Conwy before letting.