In short: A student HMO refurbishment upgrades a shared house let to students, using hard-wearing finishes and planned around the academic year so the work is finished before the next tenancy starts. In Cardiff we survey first, price each item separately and hand over the certificates and photos a council asks for.
- Nation
- Wales
- Pricing region
- Wales
- Postcode areas
- CF
- Main towns
- Cardiff, Whitchurch
What does student HMO refurbishment in Cardiff involve?
- Hard-wearing kitchens and worktops
- Study space and sockets in every room
- Robust flooring and wipe-clean paint
- Photo handover before move-in
- Fire safety checks and upgrades
- Extra bathroom or ensuites
Which rules apply in Cardiff?
- Landlords must register with Rent Smart Wales, and those who manage their own lets need a Rent Smart Wales licence.
- Kitchen and bathroom ratios are set in each council’s HMO standards.
- Fitness for human habitation rules require mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms on every storey and CO alarms where there is a gas, oil or solid-fuel appliance.
- An electrical inspection and test at least every 5 years, with the report given to the contract-holder within 14 days.
- Councils such as Cardiff and Swansea run additional licensing for HMOs outside the mandatory scheme.
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.
How much does student HMO refurbishment cost in Cardiff?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £7,500 – £16,900 | kitchen |
| Shared bathroom refit | £5,500 – £9,000 | £5,150 – £8,450 | bathroom |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £750 – £1,900 | house |
| Full rewire, 4–5 bedroom house | £6,000 – £12,000 | £5,650 – £11,300 | house |
Typical time on site: 2–8 weeks over summer. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Student HMO refurbishment by town in Cardiff
Questions about student HMO refurbishment in Cardiff
When should I book a summer student refurbishment?
By spring if you can. The window between tenancies is short and contractors in university towns book up quickly.
What finishes last best in student houses?
Commercial-grade vinyl or laminate, quartz-effect laminate worktops, wipe-clean paint and good extraction to keep condensation down.
Do you carry out student HMO refurbishment across Cardiff?
Yes, across 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.