Salford HMO licensing guide

Salford HMO licence — do you need one?

Salford has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Salford announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: January 2026

Salford Selective Licensing (Broughton & Kersal, Broughton Park)

Multiple ward selective licensing scheme covering Broughton and Kersal and Broughton Park, in force from 21 January 2026.

Read the original announcement →
ConsultationEffective: Consultation ran 4 February – 15 April 2026; decision pending

Consultation on Additional Licensing for Section 257 HMOs (Borough-Wide)

Salford City Council is consulting on a new borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme covering Section 257 HMOs (converted flat blocks); consultation ran 4 February to 15 April 2026, decision pending.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Salford-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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HMO licensing in Salford — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Salford?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Salford runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Salford?
Salford currently has 2 schemes on our register: Salford Selective Licensing (Broughton & Kersal, Broughton Park) (from January 2026); Consultation on Additional Licensing for Section 257 HMOs (Borough-Wide) (from Consultation ran 4 February – 15 April 2026; decision pending). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Salford?
The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Salford's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Salford?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Salford can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Salford?
HMO licence applications in Salford are handled by Salford City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Salford with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Salford schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Salford City Council before letting or applying for a licence.