Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Listed streets in Eccles, Barton and Winton (shown on the council's interactive map) | 1 September 2022 to 1 September 2027 | £609 first application; £589 subsequent application (applications from 2 March 2023) |
| Selective licensing | Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park area | 21 January 2026 to 21 January 2031 | £609 first application for non-accredited landlords applying from 22 July 2026 |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households) | not published to no end date | £970 first application (up to 12 bedrooms); £945 subsequent; £895 renewal; £40 per bedroom from the 13th |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Salford City Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £609 first application; £589 subsequent application (applications from 2 March 2023); Selective licensing £609 first application for non-accredited landlords applying from 22 July 2026; Mandatory HMO licensing £970 first application (up to 12 bedrooms); £945 subsequent; £895 renewal; £40 per bedroom from the 13th.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Salford City Council
- Salford selective licence applications have three online steps: register the property manager, register the proposed licence holder, then register the properties.
- Both the manager and the licence holder must provide a basic criminal record disclosure dated within the last three months.
- The council aims to issue a selective licence within 30 working days of a valid application.
- Early Broughton applicants paid less: £390 for accredited and £450 for non-accredited landlords between 21 January and 21 April 2026, then £530 until 21 July 2026.
- Salford consulted from 4 February to 15 April 2026 on citywide additional licensing for section 257 HMOs (certain converted blocks of flats); the results are under review.
- The Eccles, Barton and Winton area has its own interactive map at https://arcg.is/0HSOqW0, separate from the Broughton map.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Salford City Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Listed streets in Eccles, Barton and Winton (shown on the council's interactive map); Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park area. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Salford City Council have additional HMO licensing?
No additional HMO licensing scheme in force: the citywide scheme for 3 and 4 person HMOs ended on 19 July 2026, and a proposed scheme for section 257 HMOs is under review after consultation.
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://www.salford.gov.uk/housing/information-for-landlords/landlord-licensing/areas-covered-by-selective-licensing/apply-for-a-selective-licence/