Selective licensing in Salford
Yes. Salford operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
What the designation says
Salford City Council operates MULTIPLE selective licensing schemes. As of April 2026: (A) Ran from 20 November 2019 until 19 November 2024 — NOW EXPIRED. May or may not be re-designated. Verify with Salford Council. (B) Came into force on 1 September 2022 and runs until 31 August 2027 (5-year designation). Covers parts of Barton & Winton ward and Eccles ward. Designated under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. (C) Approved at Cabinet decision on 23 September 2025. Following the consultation that ran 28 October 2024 to 20 January 2025, Salford launched this third selective licensing scheme in early 2026. Covers parts of Broughton and Kersal that were previously part of a selective licensing scheme that ran from 2016 to 2021. Proposed licence fee range £650-£800. Verify the exact commencement date and current scope at salford.gov.uk/housing/information-for-landlords/landlord-licensing/selective-licensing-proposal-in-broughton-and-kersal . Designations under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004. Schemes are based on poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour, and (for Broughton and Kersal) low housing demand. All privately rented properties (single-family, single-person, couples, families) within the designated wards or part-wards. HMOs are licensed under the Mandatory or Additional schemes instead. Use Salford's interactive map / licensing area tool to confirm whether a specific property is in a designated area — particularly for Broughton and Kersal where coverage is limited to specific streets including Bury New Road (contact Landlord Licensing on 0161 793 3344 to confirm). Up-to-date gas and electrical safety certificates; smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed and maintained; written terms of occupancy provided to tenants; tenant references obtained; safe furniture and electrical appliances; fit and proper person test for licence holder; anti-social behaviour management; waste management responsibility. Verify current Salford fees at salford.gov.uk/housing/information-for-landlords/landlord-licensing/how-will-licensing-work/how-much-will-it-cost. Discounts available for accredited landlords and early-bird applications. Operating an unlicensed property in a designated area is a criminal offence. Civil financial penalty up to £30,000 per offence. Unlimited fine on conviction. Rent Repayment Orders. Section 21 invalid where unlicensed. Landlord Licensing Team, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 5BY / landlord.licensing@salford.gov.uk / 0161 793 3344.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Salford before letting.