Selective Licensing in Cardiff: Schemes, Fees and Dates

Landlords operating in Cardiff need to be aware of the property licensing schemes in place to ensure their rental properties comply with local regulations. Cardiff Council currently operates an Additional Licensing scheme specifically targeting certain types of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the Cathays ward. This scheme is designed to improve housing standards and management practices, ensuring safe and well-maintained homes for tenants. It is vital for property owners and managers in this area to understand their obligations to avoid potential penalties and contribute to a well-regulated private rented sector.

What is Additional Licensing?

Additional Licensing is a discretionary power granted to local authorities under the Housing Act 2004. It allows councils to extend licensing requirements beyond the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme to other types of Houses in Multiple Occupation that are not covered by the mandatory scheme. The primary goal of implementing an Additional Licensing scheme is to address specific issues within a designated area, such as poor property conditions, inadequate management, or anti-social behaviour. By requiring a licence, the council can ensure that properties meet certain safety and amenity standards and that the landlord or managing agent is a 'fit and proper person' to manage an HMO. This proactive approach helps to raise the overall quality of accommodation and living standards for tenants in the affected areas.

Which properties need a licence in Cardiff?

In Cardiff, the Additional Licensing scheme applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are rented to three or more tenants forming two or more households, who share amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom, and are located within the Cathays ward. This includes many student houses and shared accommodation types that might not fall under the mandatory HMO licensing criteria (which typically applies to properties with five or more tenants). If your property in Cathays ward meets the definition of an HMO for three or more tenants, it is highly likely that it will require an Additional Licence. It is the landlord's responsibility to determine if their property falls within the scope of this scheme and to apply for the appropriate licence. Failure to do so can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

How to check if your property needs a licence

Determining whether your rental property in Cardiff requires an Additional Licence can sometimes be complex, given the specific criteria and geographical boundaries of the scheme. The most straightforward way to ascertain your obligations is to utilise resources like tuxa.co.uk. By searching for your property's address on the platform, you can quickly identify if it is located within a designated licensing area and if it is subject to Additional Licensing requirements. This service provides a convenient and efficient method for landlords to check their compliance status. Additionally, you can consult the official Cardiff Council website for detailed guidance and maps of the designated areas, or contact their housing enforcement team directly for clarification.

Penalties for non-compliance

Non-compliance with property licensing regulations in Cardiff carries serious penalties. Landlords who fail to obtain a required licence for their property, or who breach the conditions of an existing licence, can face severe repercussions. These include civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence, issued by the council without the need for a court conviction. In more serious cases, or where civil penalties are not deemed sufficient, landlords could face prosecution in a magistrates' court, which can result in an unlimited fine. Furthermore, tenants in unlicensed properties may be able to reclaim up to 12 months' rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and landlords may be prevented from serving a Section 21 notice to regain possession of their property. It is therefore paramount for landlords to ensure full compliance.

Apply for a licence

If you have determined that your property in Cardiff, particularly within the Cathays ward, requires an Additional Licence, the next step is to apply to Cardiff Council. The application process typically involves completing a detailed form, providing documentation related to the property's safety standards, floor plans, and management arrangements, and paying the relevant fee. It is crucial to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays. For specific application forms, guidance notes, and details on current fees, you should visit the official Cardiff Council website or contact their private sector housing team directly. They will be able to provide the most up-to-date information and support throughout the licensing process.

---

This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Related Guides

• What Is Selective Licensing? A Complete Guide for UK Landlords
• Selective vs Additional Licensing: What Is the Difference?
• Rental Licensing Fines: What UK Landlords Need to Know
• How to Stay Compliant with HMO Licensing
• Active licensing consultations and upcoming scheme changes

Welsh Regulatory Framework

Cardiff operates under devolved Welsh housing law, which differs significantly from the English framework. The key legislation governing landlords in Cardiff is:

• Housing (Wales) Act 2014 — requires all landlords who rent property in Wales to register with Rent Smart Wales and, if they manage their own properties, to obtain a licence. Registration costs £45 (individual) or £144 (company). Licences cost £187 (individual) or £375 (company) and must be renewed every five years.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — replaced assured shorthold tenancies in Wales with occupation contracts from 1 December 2022, introducing new written statement requirements and a minimum 6-month notice period for no-fault evictions.
• Housing Act 2004 (as applied to Wales) — governs HMO licensing. Cardiff's Additional Licensing scheme in Cathays operates under Part 2 of this Act, as applied to Wales by the Welsh Ministers.

Rent Repayment Orders are available in Wales under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, but the primary enforcement route for unlicensed landlords is prosecution by Cardiff Council or Rent Smart Wales, with fines of up to £2,500 on summary conviction for failing to register, and up to £30,000 civil penalty for HMO licensing offences.

Primary sources: Rent Smart Wales | Housing (Wales) Act 2014 — legislation.gov.uk | Cardiff Council HMO Licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register with Rent Smart Wales if I rent property in Cardiff?

Yes. All landlords who own rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales, regardless of whether they use a letting agent. Registration is mandatory under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

Is Cardiff's HMO licensing scheme the same as England's?

No. While Cardiff's Additional Licensing scheme operates under the Housing Act 2004 framework (as applied to Wales), the wider landlord registration and licensing regime is governed by Welsh law through Rent Smart Wales, not by MHCLG or the English selective licensing framework.

What is the penalty for operating an unlicensed HMO in Cardiff?

Cardiff Council can issue a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000 for operating an unlicensed HMO, or pursue prosecution in the magistrates' court. Rent Smart Wales can also prosecute for failure to register or licence, with fines up to £2,500 on summary conviction.

Does the Renters' Rights Act 2025 apply in Cardiff?

No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies to England only. Wales has its own tenancy reform framework under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which already abolished no-fault evictions for most tenants in Wales from December 2022.