Cardiff council is proposing to renew its Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in part of the city for a further five years.

It’s shortly considering a two month consultation on the proposal.

The scheme, first introduced in the Plasnewydd area in 2014, allows the council to license and inspect smaller HMOs that fall outside national licensing requirements. 

Its aim is to improve housing standards, tenant safety and property management.

Since 2021, 878 properties have been licensed under the scheme, with inspections showing that 84% required improvements to meet the required standards.

The council claims the scheme has delivered significant benefits since its intervention, including a 39% reduction in serious housing hazards and a 76% reduction in properties needing fire safety improvements. 

There has also allegedly been a major decline in the use of prohibition orders for unsafe accommodation.

A council spokesperson says: “Many HMOs in the area are still not covered by mandatory licensing and would not receive regular inspections without this scheme. 

“Renewing the licence will help ensure tenants continue to live in safe, well-managed homes while supporting wider efforts to tackle issues such as waste management and antisocial behaviour.”

Plasnewydd has the second-largest private rented sector in Cardiff, with more than 5,300 registered rental properties and a growing number of HMOs.

The council believes the scheme remains necessary, as around 75% of HMOs in the area are not covered by mandatory licensing. 

If approved, the consultation will be promoted through social media, an explanatory video, emails to landlords, letting agents and stakeholders, and posters displayed in local Hubs and community noticeboards. 

Universities and letting agents will also be encouraged to help share information about the consultation with their networks.