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Property Licensing Guide for Salford
Salford currently operates selective licensing in 4 wards and additional licensing; 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Salford Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Salford? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Salford 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.
Not sure whether a Salford property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across 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 — 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 — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Salford operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation 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: 19 July 2021 to 18 July 2026 — covering Barton & Winton, Blackfriars & Trinity, Boothstown & Ellenbrook, Broughton, Cadishead & Lower Irlam, Claremont, Eccles, Higher Irlam & Peel Green, Kersal & Broughton Park, Little Hulton, Ordsall, Pendlebury & Clifton, Pendleton & Charlestown, Quays, Swinton & Wardley, Swinton Park, Walkden North, Walkden South, Weaste & Seedley and Worsley & Westwood Park.
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 license 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 and additional licensing (1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Salford 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 Salford, 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.
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 Salford introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Salford 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 Salford?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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, 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.
