South Glamorgan · Private rented sector
Landlord templates, Cardiff.
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Cardiff's 30,000+ private landlords across South Glamorgan. Every template is updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, with Cardiff Council as the local housing authority.
Private rented households
~55,000
Average monthly rent (2-bed)
~£1,200
Student population
~60,000
Cardiff rental market, what landlords need to know
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and one of the fastest-growing rental cities in the UK. Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University generate strong student HMO demand. Importantly, Wales operates a different legal framework from England, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 applies, with Standard Occupation Contracts replacing assured shorthold tenancies.
Licensing requirements in Cardiff
Cardiff operates selective licensing in designated areas and additional HMO licensing across the city. Note: Wales operates under different legislation from England, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 governs all residential lettings in Wales from 1 December 2022. Standard Occupation Contracts replace ASTs; Section 21 in its old form does not apply. Cardiff Council is one of the most active licensing authorities in Wales.
Essential documents for Cardiff landlords
View all →Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement
The new default English tenancy from 1 May 2026. Periodic from day one, with the prescribed written statement of terms built in. Ships with the Form 4A rent-increase notice template and an Information Sheet delivery acknowledgement form so a buying landlord has every Phase-1 compliance document in one pack.
Section 8 Notice Pack (All Grounds)
Every mandatory and discretionary ground on the new 2026 list, pre-labelled with the notice period, arrears threshold, and evidence block.
Landlord Annual Compliance Checklist
Annual walk-through of every compliance touchpoint: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke/CO, Right-to-Rent, deposit, licensing, database registration.
Renters' Rights Act Transition Pack
For landlords who need to migrate existing ASTs onto the new regime. The single most-searched landlord product of 2026.
What changes for Cardiff landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies in full to every Cardiff tenancy from 1 May 2026, enforced locally by Cardiff Council. The headline changes for South Glamorgan landlords are:
- → Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished, use Section 8
- → All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements, no more ASTs
- → Rent increases via Section 13 only, contractual review clauses unenforceable
- → Pet requests must be considered, blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
- → Private landlord database registration coming, date TBC
Cardiff landlord FAQs
Which council handles landlord licensing in Cardiff?
Cardiff Council is the local housing authority for Cardiff, South Glamorgan. Both selective licensing (covering all private rented homes in designated areas) and additional HMO licensing (covering smaller shared houses) currently operate here, on top of mandatory national HMO licensing for properties with 5 or more occupants. Always confirm the current designation with the council before letting, as licensing schemes and area boundaries are reviewed periodically.
Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Cardiff landlords?
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies to England only. Cardiff is in Wales, which has its own legislation: the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (RHWA) came into force on 1 December 2022. All Welsh lettings use Standard Occupation Contracts (not ASTs). If you let property in Cardiff, you must comply with the RHWA, consult a Welsh housing solicitor or Rent Smart Wales for guidance.
Do Cardiff landlords need to register with Rent Smart Wales?
Yes. All landlords who let property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales (the Welsh landlord licensing authority) and either hold a landlord licence themselves or use a licensed managing agent. Failure to register or licence is a criminal offence in Wales. Registration costs £45 (5 years) and licensing requires completion of approved training.