Unlicensed HMOs in Rhondda Cynon Taf can lead to prosecution
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: 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.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Property Licensing Schemes
To check whether a Rhondda Cynon Taf HMO is licensed, note that the council keeps copies of issued licences on a public register. Its Housing Standards Team handles HMO queries on 01443 425001. A new HMO may also need planning permission from the council, which is separate from the licence. Agents who manage a rented property in Wales also need a Rent Smart Wales licence.
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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 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf?
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.
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 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf 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 2024 come in two parts. Part 1, paid with the application, is £625 for a new application or late renewal and £594 for a renewal made before the licence expires. Part 2, paid when the licence is granted, is charged per unit of accommodation occupied by a single household: £179, or £147 if the HMO is fully compliant at inspection or within 8 weeks of it. See the council’s fees page.
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Rhondda Cynon Taf Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Rhondda Cynon Taf operate?
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council operates additional HMO licensing across all its electoral wards from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029, alongside mandatory HMO licensing, which has applied since 2006. The council has no selective licensing scheme.
Do all properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf need a licence?
No. Rhondda Cynon Taf has no selective licensing scheme, so only an HMO needs a licence from the council. Mandatory licensing covers an HMO of three or more storeys with five or more occupants in two or more households. Since 1 April 2024, additional licensing covers all other HMOs in the borough: a building or part of a building occupied as a main residence by three or more people in two or more households. Some converted blocks of flats are also HMOs. 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf 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. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council says the person in control of an HMO, usually the owner or manager, must apply for its licence. A letting agent that manages a Rhondda Cynon Taf HMO falls within that group, and the council also assesses any proposed manager as a fit and proper person.
How do I apply for a Rhondda Cynon Taf property licence?
You can apply for a Rhondda Cynon Taf HMO licence online through the council (licensing pages). Before applying, gather a list of interested parties, the tenancy agreement, a floor plan, and current gas safety, electrical installation, fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates. You pay by credit or debit card. You can also use a managed service such as Kamma.
Does Rhondda Cynon Taf have selective licensing?
No. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council does not operate selective licensing. It licenses HMOs under the mandatory scheme and the borough-wide additional licensing scheme that runs from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029.
Why did Rhondda Cynon Taf introduce additional licensing?
The council’s landlord handbook says the scheme will help raise the quality and standards of rental properties in the borough, and that its fees go towards running costs and are not profit making. The council confirmed the scheme on 21 December 2023. It took effect on 1 April 2024 and replaced the 2019 scheme, whose licences carried over until they expire.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
The council’s HMO standards guide sets licence conditions on management, fire safety, amenities and minimum room sizes (licence conditions). For example, a single-person bedroom in a shared house must be at least 10.22 square metres, or 6.50 square metres where a separate living or dining room is provided.
About Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council licenses HMOs under the Housing Act 2004. It confirmed its additional licensing designation on 21 December 2023. The scheme covers all electoral wards, took effect on 1 April 2024 and ends on 31 March 2029. A licence is normally granted for up to 5 years. The council also runs a voluntary Treforest Property Accreditation Scheme, free to join.
Licensing Enforcement in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is the licensing authority for HMOs in the county borough. Managing or controlling a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council’s landlord handbook gives the penalty on summary conviction as an unlimited fine. 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.
