Licensing

Licensed HMOs in Cardiff have two classifications; citywide, a mandatory HMO licencing system is in operation for dwellings that are three-storey or more, and contain at least five residents not forming a single household. In Cathays and Plasnewydd wards, an additional licence is also in operation for properties with three or more residents not forming a single household. Additional Licencing is not used in other wards. As of February 2016, 86% of all mandatory licenced HMOs were concentrated in two wards. A two-tier threshold is applied to determine when an area has reached the point at which further HMOs would cause harm and the Council to reject any HMO application: 1) In Cathays and Plasnewydd the figure of 20% 2) In all other wards, the figure of 10% This means that within Cathays or Plasnewydd, if more than 20% of the dwellings within a 50m radius of the proposed HMO are already established HMOs then this development would be considered unacceptable. In other wards, the figure must be 10%. This is shown as a map in examples below. This is justified because Cathays and Plasnewydd are home to a vastly greater number of HMO than other parts of the city, and are designated as Additional Licensing areas. Recognition of the role that HMOs play in these wards is reflected in the higher threshold, which allows for sustainable growth. Elsewhere, with smaller HMO numbers, the 20% threshold would allow for a large number of conversions from a low base. As such, the threshold of 10% is deemed more appropriate, allowing growth in these areas where there is demand, whilst retaining the essential character of those communities, and resisting the problems that can occur from HMO concentrations. The figure of 10% is recommended in the 2015 Welsh Government Houses in Multiple Occupation: Review & Evidence Gathering report. The map below shows the Cathays and Plasnewyddwards, within which the 20% concentration threshold would apply. All other wards would fall under the 10% concentration threshold. In the first example below, there are 34 dwellings within the radius, 16 of which are considered HMOs according to the councils licencing and council tax records. This constitutes 47% of properties, meaning the threshold of 20% has been exceeded. The council therefore would look to refuse this application unless its implementation, judged in the light of all other material considerations, would serve the public interest. In the second example, a property in Grangetown is shown. Within this 50m area, only one out of 53 other properties is an HMO. This is below the 10% threshold and therefore the conversion to an HMO would not be opposed subject to satisfactory compliance of the criteria set out on Policy H5, and SPG. 🧭 How Arthur & Hamilton Supports HMO Landlords At Arthur & Hamilton, we don’t just manage HMOs—we specialise in them. Our clients trust us to keep their properties compliant, profitable, and hassle-free. Here’s how we help: 🔍 Property Compliance Audit We inspect your property and tell you exactly what needs upgrading before you apply. 📑 Licence Application Management We handle the paperwork, liaise with Cardiff Council, and ensure your licence is submitted accurately and on time. 🔧 Full-Service HMO Management From tenant screening to rent collection, maintenance, and inspections—we do it all, so you don’t have to. 💼 Investment Advice Looking to convert a property to an HMO or expand your portfolio? We’ll help you assess potential properties and compliance risks before you invest. 📞 Let’s Talk If you’re a landlord in Cardiff and want expert help with your HMO property—whether it’s licensing, compliance, or full management—get in touch with us today. 📧 Email: info@arthurandhamilton.com📞 Call: 020 4538 9330 Arthur & Hamilton – Cardiff’s Trusted HMO Specialists.