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 £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Conwy?
Yes. Conwy operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Conwy does the scheme cover?
All HMOs on Marine Road and South Parade, Pensarn, Abergele, part of the Pensarn Pentre Mawr ward. Designated 27 July 2025. NOTE the council HMO FAQ mentions further areas in Colwyn Bay (Glyn, Rhiw) and Llandudno and Craig y Don (Gogarth, Mostyn, Tudno, Craig y Don), but NO in-force designation was found for those wards; treat them as not currently designated. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Conwy's scheme end?
The designation runs until 30 September 2030, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,231 up to 4. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Conwy before budgeting.
The band is set by the number of separate lettings.
| up to 4 | £1,559 |
| up to 4 | £1,231 |
| Each let | £286 |
- Note the additional fee is substantially higher than the mandatory fee, which is unusual and is what the council publishes
Conwy, read 20 August 2026
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 £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. 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.