In short: we carry out HMO conversions, refurbishments, fire safety and licence works across Cardiff, working to the HMO rules for Wales. Cardiff is also the name of the local council, which licenses HMOs here.
- Nation
- Wales
- Region for pricing
- Wales
- Postcode areas
- CF
- Towns on our list
- 2
What HMO rules apply in Cardiff?
- Mandatory licence for HMOs of 3 or more storeys with 5 or more people in 2 or more households; councils add additional licensing.
- Every landlord must register with Rent Smart Wales; self-managing landlords also need a Rent Smart Wales licence.
- Planning: 3–6 sharers is use class C4, and changing a house to C4 always needs planning permission in Wales; 7 or more is sui generis.
- Mains-powered interlinked smoke alarms on every storey, CO alarms where needed, and an electrical test at least every 5 years.
- Room sizes and amenity ratios are set by each council: England’s national room sizes do not apply.
Cardiff Council: local HMO schemes
| Additional licensing | In force in part of the council area Cathays: 1 Feb 2023 to 1 Feb 2028. Plasnewydd had a scheme from 1 Jan 2021; check with Cardiff Council whether it has been renewed. |
|---|---|
| Selective licensing | No scheme found |
Schemes change. Check the council’s current pages for the exact address in Cardiff before you buy or start work. Source: Cardiff Council HMO licensing page, checked 2026-10-31.
Towns we cover in Cardiff
HMO services in Cardiff
HMO conversions
- House to HMO conversion in Cardiff
- Small HMO conversions (3–6 sharers) in Cardiff
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Cardiff
- Commercial and above-shop to HMO in Cardiff
HMO refurbishment
- Full HMO refurbishment in Cardiff
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in Cardiff
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in Cardiff
- Student HMO refurbishment in Cardiff
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Cardiff
Kitchens and bathrooms
- Ensuite installation in Cardiff
- Communal kitchen refits in Cardiff
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Cardiff
Fire safety works
- HMO fire safety upgrades in Cardiff
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Cardiff
- Fire doors in Cardiff
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Cardiff
Licence and compliance works
- Licence condition and schedule-of-works in Cardiff
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Cardiff
- Sound insulation in Cardiff
- EPC and energy upgrades in Cardiff
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Cardiff
Extra rooms and layouts
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Cardiff
- Extensions for extra rooms in Cardiff
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Cardiff
Guide prices in Cardiff
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversion works per letting room (walls, linings, electrics, decoration; excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate) | £3,500 – £6,500 | £3,300 – £6,100 | letting room |
| Full refurbishment per letting room, with a share of communal areas (excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate) | £4,000 – £9,000 | £3,750 – £8,450 | letting room |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £3,750 – £9,400 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £7,500 – £16,900 | kitchen |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £750 – £1,900 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | £280 – £560 | door |
Questions
Do you carry out HMO works in Cardiff?
Yes. We cover the whole of Cardiff, including Cardiff, Whitchurch.
Who licenses HMOs in Cardiff?
Cardiff council licenses HMOs in its area. Landlords must also register with Rent Smart Wales.
Is HMO work more expensive in Cardiff?
Our guide prices for Cardiff use the Wales adjustment of -6% against the UK average. Your fixed price follows a site visit.