Do I need a landlord licence in City of Salford?

City of Salford currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.

How much does a property licence cost in City of Salford?

Based on our current data, licence fees in City of Salford are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide): New application: £1,085 (£890 application + £195 grant). Subsequent application: £1,052.45 (£863 application + £189 grant). Early/accredited landlord discounts were available for applications before 19 October 2021. Early application and accredited landlord discounts were available for applications submitted before 19 October 2021; Mandatory HMO Licensing: First application: £970 (£679 application + £291 grant). Subsequent application: £945 (£661.50 application + £283.50 grant). Renewal: £895 (£626.50 application + £268.50 grant). Properties with 13+ bedrooms incur an extra £40 per additional bedroom above 12. Accredited landlord discount: First application £945 (£661.50 + £283.50), Subsequent application £910 (£637 + £273); Selective Licensing in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park: Standard fees apply from 22 July 2026 onward. Earlier application windows have lower fees. Accredited landlords in the early bird window (21 Jan - 21 Apr 2026): first application £390, subsequent £370; Selective Licensing in Eccles, Barton and Winton: Standard fees apply from 2 March 2023 onward. Earlier application windows had lower fees. Accredited landlords who were accredited before 1 September 2022 received discounted fees: first application £390, subsequent £365. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.

Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in City of Salford?

Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including City of Salford. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to City of Salford council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.

What happens if I rent without a licence in City of Salford?

Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Enhanced research coverage

Landlord licensing in City of Salford

North West

We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.

Council website

Licensing scorecard

Enhanced coverage

Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.

Selective licensing

Active selective

Additional HMO licensing

Active additional

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies across England

Source confidence: High
Boundary confidence: Low
Public register: Register exists but is clunky (2/5)
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026
Next review due: Not scheduled
Sources recorded: 15

Open the official council source

Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.

Recommended next step

Verify the position with the official council source

Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Check the official council source Get a written property licensing check

What still adds uncertainty

At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.

Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.

Verify with the council

Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with City of Salford.

Verify on official council licensing page Council website Report an inaccuracy

Council updates

Get updates for City of Salford

We will email you if City of Salford introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.

Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you need more than the council page

This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.

Property Licensing Check

£29 · Live now

A property-specific PDF licensing report with a verification email template, current scheme fees, and a £30,000 risk context block — delivered to your inbox automatically.

Continue to secure payment

Licensing Due Diligence Report

£79 · Live now

A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.

Request the report

Alerts and monitoring

£12.99/month · Coming soon

A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.

See alerts and monitoring

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

Check a postcode in City of Salford

Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.

Local licensing scheme records

Additional LicensingActive

Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide)

Citywide - covers all three or four person HMOs across the whole of Salford

Fee guide: New application: £1,085 (£890 application + £195 grant). Subsequent application: £1,052.45 (£863 application + £189 grant). Early/accredited landlord discounts were available for applications before 19 October 2021. Early application and accredited landlord discounts were available for applications submitted before 19 October 2021
Discount available: Early application and accredited landlord discounts were available for applications submitted before 19 October 2021
Scheme period: 19 July 2021 - 19 July 2026
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Authorized under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. A separate consultation has also been referenced for a citywide Additional HMO Licensing proposal covering Section 257 HMOs. Property types covered: HMOs of any size building occupied by three or four unrelated persons forming two or more households. Does not apply to empty properties. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties controlled/managed by local housing authorities, registered social landlords, police, fire brigade, health service bodies, religious communities (except Section 257 HMOs). Properties already licensed under mandatory HMO. Properties subject to a temporary exemption notice or Management Order. Purpose-built flats in blocks of 3+ self-contained units where controller follows a code of practice under section 233. Two-person, two-household occupancies are exempt.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park

Parts of Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park wards. Approximately 1,340 properties covered across 140+ streets. Covers the same area and streets as the previous scheme which ended in 2021. Properties on both sides of boundary streets are included.

Fee guide: Standard fees apply from 22 July 2026 onward. Earlier application windows have lower fees. Accredited landlords in the early bird window (21 Jan - 21 Apr 2026): first application £390, subsequent £370
Discount available: Accredited landlords in the early bird window (21 Jan - 21 Apr 2026): first application £390, subsequent £370
Scheme period: 21 January 2026 - 20 January 2031
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years (duration of the scheme)
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

This is a reintroduction of selective licensing in this area. Previous schemes ran in the same area, with the most recent running from 2016 to 2021. Scheme designated based on low demand, anti-social behaviour, and poor property conditions. Property types covered: All privately rented properties within the designated area. Exemptions or exclusions: Exemptions as per The Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing in Eccles, Barton and Winton

Parts of Eccles, Barton and Winton wards covering 90+ streets. All properties on boundary streets (both sides) are included within the designation.

Fee guide: Standard fees apply from 2 March 2023 onward. Earlier application windows had lower fees. Accredited landlords who were accredited before 1 September 2022 received discounted fees: first application £390, subsequent £365
Discount available: Accredited landlords who were accredited before 1 September 2022 received discounted fees: first application £390, subsequent £365
Scheme period: 1 September 2022 - 31 August 2027
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years (duration of the scheme)
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

704 properties had been licensed under this scheme as of early 2025, with more applications in progress. Property types covered: All privately rented properties within the designated area. Exemptions or exclusions: Exemptions as per The Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006. Properties controlled/managed by local housing authorities, registered social landlords, police, fire brigade, health service bodies, and religious communities are generally exempt.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Public licensing register

Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.

Public register found: Yes
Search method: Map view
Register usability: Register exists but is clunky (2/5)

HMOAdditionalSelective (unconfirmed)

Appears to cover HMO and additional licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.

Register notes

Free to inspect online or from the licensing team. Copies emailed or posted cost £50. Separate registers exist for selective, mandatory HMO, and additional HMO licences.

Open the public register

The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.

Research summary

These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.

Last reviewed

27 March 2026

Research confidence

High (85/100)

Sources checked

Research notes

Successfully accessed 14 council web pages covering all licensing types, fees, areas, exemptions, public register, and enforcement. Fee structures confirmed from dedicated fees page. Scheme dates confirmed from area-specific pages. Public register confirmed available with direct download links in PDF and CSV formats. Contact details confirmed.

Council contact details

Email: landlord.licensing@salford.gov.uk
Phone: 0161 793 3344
Address: Landlord Licensing Team, Salford City Council, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford, M27 5BY

Important to verify

Exact end date for Eccles/Barton/Winton scheme (start date 1 Sept 2022 + 5 years implies Aug 2027 but exact end date not explicitly stated)
Complete list of streets in each selective licensing area (referenced but too extensive to extract fully)
Section 257 HMO additional licensing proposal status (consultation referenced but current status unclear)

Supporting sources

Mandatory HMO licensing

All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from City of Salford council.

Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with City of Salford council.

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

All HMOs in Salford with five or more occupants forming two or more households, as required under the Housing Act 2004

Fee notes: First application: £970 (£679 application + £291 grant). Subsequent application: £945 (£661.50 application + £283.50 grant). Renewal: £895 (£626.50 application + £268.50 grant). Properties with 13+ bedrooms incur an extra £40 per additional bedroom above 12. Accredited landlord discount: First application £945 (£661.50 + £283.50), Subsequent application £910 (£637 + £273)
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years (12 months if property lacks proper planning permission for HMO conversion)

National mandatory scheme. Properties lacking proper planning permission for HMO conversion receive 12-month licences only; landlords must regularise planning status during this period. A Basic Disclosure from the DBS is required (£21.50 fee). Council aims to issue licences within 60 working days of a valid application. Property types covered: Houses in Multiple Occupation with five or more occupants who form two or more households. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties listed in Schedule 14 of the Housing Act 2004. Properties subject to a temporary exemption notice under section 62. Buildings converted into flats failing building regulations (though individual flats may still require licensing). Properties under a Management Order.

View HMO licensing info on council website

Other compliance requirements

In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts

View full compliance checklist →

Common questions about licensing in City of Salford

Do I need a landlord licence in City of Salford?: City of Salford currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
How much does a property licence cost in City of Salford?: Based on our current data, licence fees in City of Salford are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide): New application: £1,085 (£890 application + £195 grant). Subsequent application: £1,052.45 (£863 application + £189 grant). Early/accredited landlord discounts were available for applications before 19 October 2021. Early application and accredited landlord discounts were available for applications submitted before 19 October 2021; Mandatory HMO Licensing: First application: £970 (£679 application + £291 grant). Subsequent application: £945 (£661.50 application + £283.50 grant). Renewal: £895 (£626.50 application + £268.50 grant). Properties with 13+ bedrooms incur an extra £40 per additional bedroom above 12. Accredited landlord discount: First application £945 (£661.50 + £283.50), Subsequent application £910 (£637 + £273); Selective Licensing in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park: Standard fees apply from 22 July 2026 onward. Earlier application windows have lower fees. Accredited landlords in the early bird window (21 Jan - 21 Apr 2026): first application £390, subsequent £370; Selective Licensing in Eccles, Barton and Winton: Standard fees apply from 2 March 2023 onward. Earlier application windows had lower fees. Accredited landlords who were accredited before 1 September 2022 received discounted fees: first application £390, subsequent £365. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in City of Salford?: Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including City of Salford. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to City of Salford council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
What happens if I rent without a licence in City of Salford?: Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you

Use these routes to move from the City of Salford summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.

Landlord with a standard let→

Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.

Shared occupancy or possible HMO→

Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.

Check if a property has an HMO licence→

Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.

Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→

Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.

Letting agent or portfolio manager→

Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.

Understand selective licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.

Understand additional licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.

Need the local HMO route→

Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.

Tenant checking landlord compliance→

Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.

Important disclaimer

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.