⚠️ Section 21 Has Been Abolished — Effective 1 May 2026
As a result of the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026. Section 21 no longer applies. Landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession. All existing and new tenancies are affected.
Landlord Licensing
North Wales
North Wales landlords face a distinct licensing landscape — Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing is mandatory for all Welsh properties, HMO licensing applies to qualifying properties, and selective licensing schemes may apply in certain areas. PDA Law advises landlords across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy and Anglesey on all licensing requirements.
Landlord Licensing in North Wales
North Wales landlords must comply with a distinct set of licensing requirements that differ from those in England. The key difference is Rent Smart Wales — a mandatory registration and licensing scheme that applies to all landlords with properties in Wales.
PDA Law is based in Chester, just across the border from North Wales, and advises landlords across Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire, Conwy and Anglesey on all licensing requirements.
Rent Smart Wales
Mandatory for all North Wales landlords
Rent Smart Wales is the mandatory landlord registration and licensing scheme for all landlords with properties in Wales. It has been mandatory since 2015. All North Wales landlords must register, and those who manage their own properties must also obtain a licence.
Registration
Required for ALL landlords with Welsh properties
Licence
Required for self-managing landlords
Renewal
Every 5 years
Training
Mandatory training for licence holders
Penalty
Criminal offence — unlimited fine
Administered by
Rent Smart Wales (Cardiff Council)
HMO Licensing in North Wales
Mandatory HMO licensing applies in Wales as well as England. If your North Wales property is occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households, you must apply to the relevant local authority for an HMO licence.
Wrexham County Borough Council
Flintshire County Council
Denbighshire County Council
Conwy County Borough Council
Isle of Anglesey County Council
Gwynedd Council
Key Licensing Differences: England vs North Wales
| Licensing Scheme | England | North Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Yes (5+ occupiers, 2+ households) | Yes (same threshold) |
| Selective licensing | In designated areas only | In designated areas only |
| National landlord register | PRS Database (coming) | Rent Smart Wales (mandatory now) |
| Landlord licence | Not required (outside HMO/selective) | Required for self-managing landlords |
| Right to Rent checks | Mandatory | Not required |
| Tenancy type | Assured shorthold tenancy | Occupation contract |
North Wales Areas We Cover
North Wales Landlord Advice
Get clear advice on Rent Smart Wales, HMO licensing and all other licensing requirements for your North Wales properties.
Make an Enquiry01244 757 352Rent Smart Wales — Key Facts
- Mandatory for ALL Welsh landlords
- Licence required for self-managing landlords
- Criminal offence to operate without registration
- Renewal every 5 years
Speak to a North Wales Landlord Solicitor
Get clear advice on Rent Smart Wales, HMO licensing and all other licensing requirements for your North Wales properties.