Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf currently operates additional licensing in 46 wards; mandatory HMO licensing and Rent Smart Wales registration apply everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Rhondda Cynon Taf and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
Not sure whether a Rhondda Cynon Taf property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Rhondda Cynon Taf property →What are the licensing requirements for Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Mandatory licensing in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Rhondda Cynon Taf (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Rhondda Cynon Taf operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Rhondda Cynon Taf does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 — covering Aberaman, Abercynon, Aberdare East, Aberdare West and Llwydcoed, Beddau and Tyn-y-nant, Brynna and Llanharan, Church Village, Cilfynydd, Cwm Clydach, Cwmbach, Cymer, Ferndale and Maerdy, Gilfach-goch, Glyn-coch, Graig and Pontypridd West, Hawthorn and Lower Rhydfelen, Hirwaun, Penderyn and Rhigos, Llanharry, Llantrisant and Talbot Green, Llantwit Fardre, Llwyn-y-pia, Mountain Ash, Pen-y-graig, Pen-y-waun, Penrhiw-ceibr, Pentre, Pontyclun Central, Pontyclun East, Pontyclun West, Pontypridd Town, Porth, Rhydfelen Central, Taff’s Well, Ton-teg, Tonypandy, Tonyrefail East, Tonyrefail West, Trallwng, Trealaw, Treforest, Treherbert, Treorchy, Tylorstown and Ynyshir, Upper Rhydfelen and Glyn-taf, Ynysybwl and Ystrad.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.

How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s property licensing pages for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Rhondda Cynon Taf Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Rhondda Cynon Taf operate?
Rhondda Cynon Taf operates additional licensing (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Rhondda Cynon Taf property licence?
You can apply through Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Rhondda Cynon Taf introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Rhondda Cynon Taf introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).

About Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf operates property licensing to raise standards in its private rented sector. The schemes that apply are set out below.
Licensing Enforcement in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
