Agents Can Be Fined for Unlicensed Rochdale Lets
Property Licensing Guide for Rochdale
Rochdale currently operates additional licensing in 20 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 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 is in the North West registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 May 2027: see what the PRS database means for landlords and agents in the North West.
Rochdale Property Licensing Schemes
To check whether a Rochdale property is licensed, ask the council’s licensing team on 0300 303 8874 or at LandlordLicensing@rochdale.gov.uk, or run the address through Kamma’s free licence checker.
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Not sure whether a Rochdale property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers 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. These are 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. That means 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 licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Additional HMO licence | £1,011 (New application (standard application fee)). Worked total £1,170, on this basis: £1,011 + 3 × £53 inspection per habitable room |
| Mandatory HMO licence | £1,011 (New application (standard application fee)). Worked total £1,276, on this basis: £1,011 + 5 × £53 inspection per habitable room |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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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?
No. In Rochdale, a property needs a licence only if it is an HMO. Mandatory licensing covers HMOs with five or more occupants forming two or more households. Additional licensing covers smaller HMOs with three or more unrelated occupants forming two or more households.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating a licensable property in Rochdale without a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord also risks a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for HMO licences on behalf of landlords in Rochdale. Rochdale Council’s application asks for fit and proper person details first, then the licence application.
How do I apply for a Rochdale property licence?
Apply on Rochdale Council’s website: register the fit and proper persons first, then submit the application (HMO licence page). The standard fee is £1,011 plus £53 per habitable room. Kamma also offers a managed application service.
Does Rochdale have selective licensing?
No. Neither Rochdale Council’s licensing pages nor Kamma’s scheme records show a selective licensing scheme in Rochdale on 20 October 2026. Rochdale operates additional HMO licensing and the national mandatory HMO scheme.
Why did Rochdale introduce additional licensing?
Rochdale Council states that licensing is intended to raise management standards in the private rented sector. The additional scheme extends licensing to HMOs with three or four occupants that the mandatory scheme does not cover.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Rochdale?
Rochdale Council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management. They are published on the council’s licence conditions page.
About Rochdale
Rochdale Borough Council runs additional licensing for smaller HMOs across all 20 of its wards. Its stated aim is to raise management standards in the private rented sector. The council ran a 13-week consultation from 15 April 2024 to 15 July 2024 before approving the scheme.
Licensing Enforcement in Rochdale
Rochdale Council enforces HMO licensing under its additional and mandatory schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution and civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord can also face a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent can be fined in its own right.
