Does My Salford Property Need a Rental Licence?
Salford landlords: find out if your property is in a selective or additional licensing area. Includes scheme dates, fees, and how to apply for a licence.
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Rental Property Licensing in Salford
Salford City Council operates selective licensing in specific areas of the city and a city-wide additional HMO licensing scheme. As of August 2025, Salford has issued fines totalling £2.2 million in its crackdown on rogue landlords, making it one of the most active enforcement authorities in England.
Selective Licensing in Salford
Salford City Council operates two active selective licensing designations:
- Eccles, Barton and Winton: Commenced 1 September 2022, runs for five years (until August 2027).
- Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park: Commenced 21 January 2026, runs until 20 January 2031.
All privately rented properties in these areas require a selective licence.
Additional HMO Licensing in Salford (City-wide)
Salford also operates a city-wide additional HMO licensing scheme (commenced 19 July 2021, ends 19 July 2026) covering all HMOs with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households. This means virtually all shared houses in Salford require a licence.
Enforcement in Salford
Salford City Council has been one of the most active enforcers of property licensing in England:
- £2.2 million in fines issued to rogue landlords (as of August 2025)
- £577,650 in fines to 26 HMO landlords in July 2025 alone
- Landlords face civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property
Official Resources
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This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Licensing Fees in Salford
Salford City Council charges the following fees for property licences:
- Selective licence (5 years): £750 per property
- Additional HMO licence (5 years): £1,000 per property
- Mandatory HMO licence (5 years): £1,000 per property
Salford City Council may offer a reduced fee for landlords who are members of an approved accreditation scheme.
Boundary and Ward Context
Salford City Council's selective licensing scheme covers specific designated areas within the city. The scheme has been applied in areas including Ordsall, Langworthy, Seedley, and parts of Eccles, which have high concentrations of private rented housing and have been prioritised based on evidence of poor conditions and anti-social behaviour.
Salford City Council publishes interactive maps of its selective licensing areas on its website. Landlords should verify their specific address using the council's online checker, as boundaries are drawn at street level.
Key postcodes in Salford's selective licensing areas: M5, M6, M50.
How to Apply for a Licence in Salford
Applications for property licences in Salford are made through Salford City Council's online portal:
1. Use the council's address checker to confirm your property is within a designated area
2. Register on the Salford City Council licensing portal
3. Complete the application form with property details, management arrangements, and occupancy information
4. Provide required safety certificates: gas safety certificate, EICR, and EPC
5. Pay the application fee
6. Await a property inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Salford rental property need a licence?
If your property is within a designated selective licensing area, it requires a selective licence. HMOs with 5 or more occupants require a mandatory HMO licence. Smaller HMOs require an additional licence.
What are the penalties for renting without a licence in Salford?
Salford City Council has been one of the most active enforcement authorities in England. As of August 2025, the council had issued fines totalling £2.2 million in its crackdown on rogue landlords. Civil penalties can reach £30,000 per property, and tenants can apply for Rent Repayment Orders.
How do I check if my Salford address is in a selective licensing area?
Use the Tuxa property search tool or Salford City Council's online address checker. The council's Private Sector Housing team can confirm requirements for a specific address.
How long does a Salford selective licence last?
Salford City Council typically grants selective licences for five years.
Last reviewed: March 2026. Source: Salford City Council housing licensing pages; Housing Act 2004.
Related Guides
Quick facts
- Typical licence fee
- £500–£800 per property (5-year licence)
- Apply for a licence
- Council application portal
- Neighbouring councils
Frequently asked questions
Licensing data sourced from individual council websites and the MHCLG licensing register. Last verified: . Always confirm current scheme status with the council directly before making licensing decisions.
Licensing guides
Does my rental property need a licence?
Find out whether your property needs a selective, additional or HMO licence.
What is selective licensing?
How selective licensing works, which councils operate schemes, and who needs a licence.
What is HMO licensing?
Mandatory HMO licensing explained: who it applies to and how to apply.
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How to Apply for a Selective Licence: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to applying for a selective licence, including what documents you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what happens if your application is refused.
Renters' Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Property Licensing
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