Unlicensed HMOs in Denbighshire can lead to prosecution
Property Licensing Guide for Denbighshire
Denbighshire currently operates additional licensing in 29 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.
Denbighshire Property Licensing Schemes
Agents who manage an HMO in Denbighshire need a Rent Smart Wales licence, and the HMO itself needs a Denbighshire County Council licence if it falls under the mandatory or additional scheme. To check whether an HMO is licensed, see the public register of HMOs that the council publishes.
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Mandatory licensing in Denbighshire
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Denbighshire (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 Denbighshire?
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.
Denbighshire operates additional HMO licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Denbighshire?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Denbighshire does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2031, covering Alyn Valley, Bodelwyddan, Denbigh Caledfryn Henllan, Denbigh Lower, Dyserth, Edeirnion, Efenechdyd, Llandyrnog, Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd Gwyddelwern, Llangollen, Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch, Moel Famau, Prestatyn Central, Prestatyn East, Prestatyn Meliden, Prestatyn North, Prestatyn South West, Rhuddlan, Rhyl East, Rhyl South, Rhyl South West, Rhyl Trellewelyn, Rhyl Ty Newydd, Rhyl West, Ruthin, St Asaph East, St Asaph West, Trefnant and Tremeirchion.
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 Denbighshire Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Additional HMO licence | £1,861 per property |
| Mandatory HMO licence | £890 per property |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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Denbighshire Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Denbighshire operate?
Denbighshire operates additional licensing (1 February 2026 to 31 January 2031), county-wide, alongside the mandatory HMO scheme. Landlords and agents in Denbighshire must also register or hold a licence with Rent Smart Wales. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Denbighshire need a licence?
No. Denbighshire County Council does not run a selective licensing scheme, so a licence is needed only for an HMO. An HMO of three or more storeys with five or more tenants forming more than one household needs a mandatory licence. A smaller HMO with three or more tenants forming more than one household needs an additional licence under the scheme that has run since 1 February 2026. Landlords and agents must also register or hold a licence with Rent Smart Wales.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
If a Denbighshire 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. Letting agents can apply for HMO licences on behalf of landlords in Denbighshire, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Denbighshire property licence?
You apply to Denbighshire County Council by downloading the HMO licence application form from the council’s HMO page (licensing pages) and returning it as the form directs. The council also publishes guidance notes. You can also use a managed service such as Kamma.
Does Denbighshire have selective licensing?
No. Denbighshire County Council does not operate selective licensing. It licenses HMOs under the mandatory scheme and the additional scheme, which runs county-wide from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2031.
Why did Denbighshire introduce additional licensing?
Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet approved the 2025 additional licensing scheme on 21 October 2025. It redesignated Denbigh, Llangollen, Prestatyn and Rhyl and extended the scheme county-wide from 1 February 2026. It covers HMOs with three or more tenants forming more than one household that fall outside mandatory licensing.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Denbighshire?
Denbighshire County Council publishes the conditions that attach to its HMO licences (licence conditions). Read them before you apply, because they apply to each licence the council grants.
About Denbighshire
Denbighshire County Council Cabinet approved the Additional Licensing (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Scheme 2025 on 21 October 2025. Denbigh, Llangollen, Prestatyn and Rhyl were redesignated, and the scheme was extended county-wide. It runs from 1 February 2026 for a maximum of five years, to 31 January 2031. An HMO licence is valid for up to five years.
Licensing Enforcement in Denbighshire
Denbighshire County Council is the licensing authority for HMOs in the county, and its Housing Enforcement Team deals with breaches. 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. A tribunal can also order the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent. 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, and agents in Wales must also hold a Rent Smart Wales licence.
