Cardiff council proposes extension of additional HMO licensing scheme

Cardiff council proposes extension of additional HMO licensing scheme

Cardiff council plans to renew its Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Plasnewydd for five more years, aiming to improve housing standards and tenant safety in smaller HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing.

Cardiff council is preparing to consult on extending its Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in the Plasnewydd area for a further five years. The scheme targets smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that fall outside the scope of national mandatory licensing requirements. The council intends to launch a two-month consultation shortly to gather views on the proposal.

The scheme was first introduced in 2014 in Plasnewydd, which has the second-largest private rented sector in Cardiff, with over 5,300 registered rental properties. Since 2021, 878 properties have been licensed under this scheme, and inspections revealed that 84% required improvements to meet the required standards.

Details of the licensing scheme and its impact

The Additional HMO Licensing Scheme allows Cardiff council to license and inspect smaller HMOs that are not covered by the national mandatory licensing regime. Its primary aim is to enhance housing standards, improve tenant safety, and ensure better property management.

The council reports that since the scheme’s introduction, there has been a 39% reduction in serious housing hazards and a 76% decrease in properties requiring fire safety improvements. Additionally, the use of prohibition orders for unsafe accommodation has significantly declined.

Despite these improvements, the council notes that around 75% of HMOs in Plasnewydd remain outside mandatory licensing, highlighting the ongoing need for the scheme. The council spokesperson emphasised that many HMOs would not receive regular inspections without this licensing scheme, which also supports tackling issues such as waste management and antisocial behaviour.

If the renewal is approved, the consultation will be promoted through multiple channels including social media, an explanatory video, emails to landlords, letting agents and stakeholders, as well as posters in local community hubs and noticeboards. Universities and letting agents will be encouraged to share information about the consultation within their networks.

Context of HMO licensing in Cardiff and wider implications

Cardiff’s Additional HMO Licensing Scheme is part of a broader approach by local authorities to regulate HMOs beyond the national mandatory licensing requirements, which typically cover larger HMOs with five or more tenants forming more than one household. Additional licensing schemes enable councils to address local issues in smaller HMOs that may still pose risks to tenants.

Plasnewydd’s private rented sector is substantial, and the prevalence of HMOs has raised concerns about housing conditions and community impacts. The council’s data showing high rates of required improvements underlines the challenges landlords face in maintaining standards in these properties.

This renewal proposal aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny of HMOs across the UK, as councils seek to improve safety and management standards in the private rented sector. It also reflects ongoing concerns about fire safety, hazards, and antisocial behaviour linked to poorly managed HMOs.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Landlords with HMOs in the Plasnewydd area should prepare for the possibility of continued licensing requirements under the extended scheme. They may need to ensure their properties meet the council’s standards to avoid enforcement action and to maintain their licences.

Letting agents operating in Cardiff will need to stay informed about the consultation and any changes to licensing conditions. They should advise landlords on compliance requirements and assist with any necessary property improvements or documentation.

Given the high proportion of HMOs currently outside mandatory licensing, landlords should review whether their properties fall under the additional licensing scheme and monitor updates from the council. Early engagement with the consultation process can also provide an opportunity to influence the scheme’s terms.

Remaining uncertainties and what to watch

The council’s consultation will clarify the exact scope and conditions of the renewed licensing scheme, but until then, some details remain uncertain. Landlords and agents should watch for the consultation launch and official guidance to understand any new or amended obligations.

It is not yet clear if the renewal will introduce stricter standards or fees, or how enforcement will be prioritised. The council’s approach to managing the balance between tenant safety and landlord burden will be a key focus during the consultation.

Additionally, the wider regulatory environment for HMOs may continue to evolve, with potential changes to national licensing thresholds or additional local schemes in other parts of Cardiff or Wales. Staying abreast of these developments will be important for landlords with multiple properties or portfolios spanning different areas.

What landlords should consider now

• Review whether your properties in Plasnewydd are covered by the additional licensing scheme and ensure current compliance with safety and management standards.
• Prepare for the consultation by following council communications and considering submitting feedback or evidence to influence the scheme’s renewal terms.
• Check property records, safety certificates, and maintenance logs to confirm that any required improvements have been addressed and documented.
• Engage with tenants proactively to identify and resolve any ongoing issues related to hazards, fire safety, or antisocial behaviour.
• Coordinate with letting agents to ensure they are aware of the licensing scheme and can support compliance efforts effectively.

Supporting landlords with licensing compliance

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers access to detailed compliance resources and practical guidance on managing HMO licensing requirements. Our developing ORBIT platform, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise property records, track inspections, and maintain evidence of compliance with licensing schemes.

ORBIT’s features include tools for recording safety certificates, documenting repairs and communications, and accessing up-to-date regulatory information. These resources can assist landlords in preparing for consultations, managing licensing obligations, and demonstrating compliance to local authorities.

Explore TLA membership to access member compliance support and learn more about ORBIT BETA access, helping you stay organised and informed as licensing schemes evolve.

Looking ahead, landlords in Cardiff should monitor the consultation outcomes closely and be ready to adapt to any new licensing conditions. Proactive management and engagement with council initiatives will be essential to maintaining safe, well-managed HMOs and avoiding enforcement risks.

Sources: Landlord Today