Manchester Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Manchester? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Manchester and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Manchester?
Mandatory licensing in Manchester
Mandatory licensing is required in Manchester if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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 a selective licence in Manchester?
Selective licensing schemes require all privately rented properties in a given area to obtain a property licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households. Manchester Council runs two selective licensing schemes with a potential third on the way:
- Selective scheme 1: Covers Gorton and Abbey Hey, Harpurhey, Clayton and Openshaw wards from 01/05/2022 to 30/04/2027.
- Selective scheme 2: Covers Levenshulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range, Rusholme, The Royals, and Longsight from 09/08/2023 to 08/08/2028.
- Selective scheme 3: Partially covering the wards of Cheetham, Crumpsall, Harpurhey, Longsight, Miles Platting & Newton Heath, and Moss Side – launches in May 2025
Do I need an additional licence in Manchester?
Manchester council does not currently operate any additional licensing scheme. Additional licensing schemes require all properties in a designated area with three or more people forming two or more different households to obtain a HMO licence.
How do I apply for a licence?
Manchester Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Manchester. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a licence cost?
The licensing fee for mandatory schemes starts at £1,321 for properties with five occupants, with increasing pricing based on the number of occupants. The licensing fee for selective schemes starts at £798. Full fee details can be found here.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of July 2025.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Manchester?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Manchester Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Manchester council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Manchester Council consulted on the expansion of their selective licensing measures to more wards in July 2024. The details can be found at the top of the article. The results of the consultation are yet to be confirmed.
Why is Manchester council planning to expand their selective licensing scheme?
Manchester Council plans to expand its selective licensing scheme to improve the quality of rental homes for nearly 2,000 more renters. Currently, the scheme covers 2,000 properties in areas such as Gorton, Harpurhey, and Moss Side. The expansion aims to include 1,900 additional homes in areas like Miles Platting, Newton Heath, and Cheetham.
The initiative addresses issues such as poor property conditions, antisocial behaviour, and high levels of deprivation. Since its inception in 2017, the scheme has licensed over 3,400 properties, uncovering more than 1,700 hazards. The council believes that extending the scheme will further enhance housing standards and management practices across the city.
What is the HMO licensing process for Manchester Council?
Manchester Council aims to process valid HMO licence applications within 60 days. After applying (fees apply), the council assesses the property’s suitability for the intended number of occupants, inspecting amenities and fire precautions before deciding on the licence and any necessary conditions.
Once a valid application is submitted, landlords can legally operate the HMO until a decision and any appeals are finalized. Licences can last up to five years for landlords with good track records, three years for less satisfactory conditions or past interventions, and two years for B&B type properties due to their complexity. Refusal to grant a licence leads to serious consequences, including the potential for the council to take over property management. Appeals against licensing decisions can be made to the Residential Property Tribunal within 28 days
What are the standards to obtain a property licence in Manchester?
Manchester Council’s HMO standards ensure safe and adequate living conditions in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). These standards include requirements for adequate natural and artificial lighting, proper ventilation, and sufficient heating systems. Each HMO must have suitable amenities, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent overcrowding and ensure tenants’ comfort. The standards also cover fire safety measures, including mandatory fire risk assessments and necessary fire precautions. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for all HMO landlords to ensure tenant safety and wellbeing .
About Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, northwestern England. Historically part of Lancashire, with areas in Cheshire, it is the nucleus of the largest metropolitan area in northern England. Known globally for its Premier League football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, the city was a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution. From a market town of 10,000 in 1717, it grew to a manufacturing hub with over 300,000 residents by 1851, driven by the textile industry. Despite a decline in the 20th century due to industrial challenges, Manchester remains a key regional city. The city covers 45 square miles, with Greater Manchester spanning 493 square miles. As of 2011, the population was 503,127 for the city and 2,682,528 for Greater Manchester.
