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Property Licensing Guide for Salford
Salford currently operates selective licensing in 4 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. A new additional licensing designation launches on 24 November 2026. 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Salford 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.
Salford Property Licensing Schemes
To check whether a Salford address falls under a scheme, use Kamma’s free property licence checker (linked below). It covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
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.
Not sure whether a Salford property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Salford property →What are the licensing requirements for Salford?
Mandatory licensing in Salford
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Salford (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 Salford?
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.
Salford does not yet operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. One is designated to begin on 24 November 2026, and is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Salford?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Salford operates selective licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 24 November 2026 to 24 November 2031.
Selective licensing: 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027, covering Barton & Winton and Eccles.
Selective licensing: 21 January 2026 to 20 January 2031, covering Broughton and Kersal & Broughton Park.
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 Salford Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence fee | from £609 (Eccles, Winton, Barton: £366 + £243 grant). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,085 (£890 + £195 grant). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | £970 for up to 12 beds (£679 + £291 grant), plus £40 per bedroom above 12. |
Accredited-landlord and renewal discounts apply.
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Salford Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Salford operate?
Salford operates selective licensing (Eccles, Barton and Winton from 1 September 2022; Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park from 21 January 2026) alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. Salford’s additional licensing scheme for 3 to 4 person HMOs ended in July 2026. A new citywide additional scheme for Section 257 HMOs starts on 24 November 2026.
Do all properties in Salford need a licence?
No. In Salford, selective licensing applies only inside its designated areas, where most privately rented homes need a licence. Mandatory HMO licensing applies citywide to HMOs with five or more people from more than one household. From 24 November 2026, Section 257 HMOs citywide also need an additional licence.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
A Salford landlord who lets a property that needs a licence without one can face 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 commits the offence too and can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences in Salford on behalf of landlords, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Salford property licence?
You can apply through Salford Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
Why did Salford introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why is Salford introducing Section 257 HMO licensing?
Salford Council decided on 27 January 2026 to consult on a citywide additional licensing scheme for Section 257 HMOs. The council’s inspections found inadequate fire safety in 97% of the Section 257 HMOs it inspected, and health hazards in 99%. The scheme starts on 24 November 2026.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Salford?
Salford Council sets HMO standards for fire safety, amenities and permitted room sizes on its HMO definition page. These apply to HMOs that need a mandatory licence in Salford.
About Salford
Salford, located in Greater Manchester, England, is a historic city known for its significant role in the textile industry since the 14th century. The city’s industrial growth was boosted by the Bridgewater Canal (1761) and the Manchester Ship Canal (1894), making it a hub for cotton textiles, coal mining, and heavy engineering. Post-World War II, Salford diversified into chemicals, plastics, and electronics manufacturing. Key landmarks include Ordsall Hall and the University of Salford. The metropolitan borough spans 37 square miles with a population of 233,933 as of 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Salford
Salford Council enforces property licensing across its 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. Where a letting agent manages the property or collects the rent, the agent commits the offence too and can be fined in its own right.
