Unlicensed HMOs in Conwy can lead to prosecution
Property Licensing Guide for Conwy
Conwy currently operates additional licensing in 6 wards; mandatory HMO licensing and Rent Smart Wales registration apply everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 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.
Conwy Property Licensing Schemes
To check whether a Conwy HMO is licensed, the council keeps a public register of licensed HMOs. It can be inspected at the Coed Pella offices in Colwyn Bay by appointment, and a printed or electronic copy costs £40. Agents who manage a rented property in Wales also need a Rent Smart Wales licence.
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Check a Conwy property →What are the licensing requirements for Conwy?
Mandatory licensing in Conwy
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Conwy (and all of Wales) to larger HMOs. These are properties of three or more storeys 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 Conwy?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed. That means a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Conwy operates additional HMO licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Conwy?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Conwy does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030, covering Pen-sarn Pentre Mawr.
Additional licensing: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, covering Glyn and Rhiw.
Additional licensing: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, covering Craig-y-don, Gogarth Mostyn and Tudno.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of three or more storeys with five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Conwy Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees from 1 April 2026: a new mandatory HMO licence for up to 4 lets costs £956 and a new additional licence £1,559, paid in one payment. Renewals cost £819 (mandatory) and £1,398 (additional). Each let over 4 adds £145 (mandatory) or £286 (additional). Paying in two instalments adds an administration charge. See Conwy Council’s property licensing pages for the full table.
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Conwy Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Conwy operate?
Conwy Council operates additional HMO licensing in three areas alongside mandatory HMO licensing. Marine Road and South Parade in Pensarn run from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030. Glyn and Rhiw in Colwyn Bay, and Craig y Don, Gogarth Mostyn and Tudno in Llandudno, run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. Conwy has no selective licensing scheme.
Do all properties in Conwy need a licence?
No. Conwy has no selective licensing scheme, so a Conwy Council licence is needed only for an HMO. Mandatory licensing applies across Conwy to an HMO of three or more storeys with five or more tenants who form more than one household and share a facility. Additional licensing covers other HMOs with three or more tenants in the Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno areas, and converted flats where fewer than two thirds are owner-occupied. Landlords and agents in Wales must also register or hold a licence with Rent Smart Wales.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
If a Conwy HMO that needs a licence has none, the landlord or manager commits an offence under the Housing Act 2004 and can be prosecuted and fined with no upper limit. A tribunal can also order the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent. A landlord who is not registered with Rent Smart Wales, or who has no licence and does not use a licensed agent, can receive a fixed penalty notice of £150 or £250 or be prosecuted, and cannot serve a valid possession notice. A letting agent who manages the property can be prosecuted in its own right.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Conwy Council lists the freeholder, head lessor, landlord, right to manage company or manager of the building as people who can apply, so a letting agent that manages a Conwy HMO can apply for its licence.
How do I apply for a Conwy property licence?
You can apply for a Conwy HMO licence through Conwy Council’s online process (licensing pages). You need the completed form, current gas, fire alarm, emergency lighting, electrical and EPC certificates, a DBS certificate and the fee. You can also use a managed service such as Kamma.
Does Conwy have selective licensing?
No. Conwy Council does not operate selective licensing. It licenses HMOs under the mandatory scheme and three additional licensing schemes, in Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno.
When did Conwy introduce additional licensing?
Conwy Council designated the Pensarn scheme on 27 July 2025, effective 1 October 2025. It designated the Colwyn Bay and Llandudno schemes on 24 February 2026, effective 1 April 2026. Each applies to HMOs that mandatory licensing does not cover.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Conwy?
Conwy’s HMO licence conditions cover fire escape and smoke alarms, weekly supervision visits with written records, and testing and logging of the fire detection system (licence conditions).
About Conwy
Conwy Council licenses HMOs under the Housing Act 2004. Its additional licensing covers Marine Road and South Parade in Pensarn, designated on 27 July 2025, and the Colwyn Bay and Llandudno schemes, both designated on 24 February 2026. A Conwy HMO licence is valid for up to 5 years.
Licensing Enforcement in Conwy
Conwy Council is the licensing authority for HMOs in the county borough. Managing or controlling an HMO that needs a licence without one is an offence under the Housing Act 2004, and the penalty on conviction is a fine with no upper limit. The council’s HMO guidance says it can also take over an unlicensed HMO through an interim management order lasting up to a year. A tribunal can order the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent. Late or incomplete applications carry an extra £50 charge. A landlord who lets without Rent Smart Wales registration can receive a fixed penalty notice of £150 or £250 or be prosecuted. Where a letting agent manages the property, the agent can be prosecuted in its own right.
