Wales · Wales
Landlord licensing in Cardiff
Landlord licensing in Cardiff: additional HMO licensing, how to apply, fees where published, and the penalty for letting unlicensed. Last checked 18 August 2026.
Rent Smart Wales
Every landlord with a rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales, and anyone carrying out letting or management work must hold a Rent Smart Wales licence (or appoint a licensed agent). This is national, under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 - it applies whether or not the council also runs additional HMO licensing. Official site.
Additional HMO licensing
In force in Cardiff. Cardiff also licenses HMOs locally under the Housing Act 2004. Additional licensing may apply below the national mandatory threshold - confirm with the council. Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing still apply on top.
Selective licensing
No designation independently verified as in force on the review date. Confirm with the council before assuming a property is out of scope - schemes launch, expand and lapse with little notice.
EPC Band C gap
In the year to June 2026, 33.0% of existing-home EPC lodgements in Cardiff were below Band C - the 2030 private-rented standard. See the full local-authority table.
Sources and review
Last verified 18 August 2026. Review by 18 November 2026. Confirm the live designation on the council site before applying.
Nearby councils
General information, not legal advice. Licensing designations, fees and maps change. Always confirm with Cardiff Council before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cardiff have selective licensing?
We have not independently verified a selective licensing designation in force in Cardiff on 18 August 2026. No designation independently verified as in force on the review date. Confirm with the council before assuming a property is out of scope - schemes launch, expand and lapse with little notice.
Do I need an HMO licence in Cardiff?
Cardiff also licenses HMOs locally under the Housing Act 2004. Additional licensing may apply below the national mandatory threshold - confirm with the council. Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing still apply on top.
Does Rent Smart Wales apply in Cardiff?
Every landlord with a rental property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales, and anyone carrying out letting or management work must hold a Rent Smart Wales licence (or appoint a licensed agent). This is national, under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 - it applies whether or not the council also runs additional HMO licensing.
What is the penalty for letting unlicensed?
Penalties are set under the relevant national regime - confirm with the council and the national registration body before relying on a figure.
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