Landlord licensing in Newport Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger shared houses across Newport. Landlords and agents must also register with Rent Smart Wales and obtain a licence if self-managing.

Additional licensing

Newport Council can introduce additional licensing schemes for smaller HMOs in specific areas, requiring a licence in addition to Rent Smart Wales registration.

Selective licensing

Newport Council may implement selective licensing schemes for all privately rented properties in designated areas, alongside Rent Smart Wales requirements.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are set by Newport Council. Rent Smart Wales also charges fees for landlord and agent registrations and licences.

Towns covered

Newport

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Newport Council area, first confirm which licensing regime applies. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger shared houses. Every landlord and agent must also register with Rent Smart Wales and obtain a licence if self-managing. Additional licensing can extend to smaller HMOs in designated areas, in addition to Rent Smart Wales duties. Selective licensing may apply in designated areas for all privately rented properties. Designations, fees and boundaries in Wales change, so check the council's own licensing pages before each new occupation contract. Welsh lets are governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: occupation contracts, written statements within 14 days, and fitness for human habitation duties. These include electrical safety, alarms, and a valid EPC. Whatever the licensing position, maintain a comprehensive evidence pack for every Newport Council occupation contract: a current gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR no more than five years old, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and the required prescribed documents served before the occupation contract starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website