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Property Licensing Guide for Rochdale
Rochdale currently operates additional licensing in 20 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Rochdale Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Rochdale? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Rochdale and how to apply for a licence.
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Not sure whether a Rochdale property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Rochdale property →What are the licensing requirements for Rochdale?
Mandatory licensing in Rochdale
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Rochdale (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Rochdale?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Rochdale operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Rochdale?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Rochdale does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 28 April 2025 to 28 April 2030 — covering Balderstone & Kirkholt, Bamford, Castleton, Central Rochdale, East Middleton, Healey, Hopwood Hall, Kingsway, Littleborough Lakeside, Milkstone & Deeplish, Milnrow & Newhey, Norden, North Heywood, North Middleton, Smallbridge & Firgrove, South Middleton, Spotland & Falinge, Wardle, Shore & West Littleborough, West Heywood and West Middleton.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Rochdale Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Rochdale Council’s property licensing pages for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Rochdale Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Rochdale operate?
Rochdale operates additional licensing (28 April 2025 to 28 April 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Rochdale need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Rochdale, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Rochdale property licence?
You can apply through Rochdale Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Rochdale introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Rochdale introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Rochdale?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Rochdale
Rochdale operates property licensing to raise standards in its private rented sector. The schemes that apply are set out below.
Licensing Enforcement in Rochdale
Rochdale Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
