Which Areas Are Covered?
City of Salford Council's selective licensing scheme is borough-wide. This means all privately rented properties within the City of Salford boundary need a selective licence, unless they fall under a specific exemption (such as properties already covered by mandatory HMO licensing).
Salford introduced borough-wide selective licensing covering all privately rented properties. The scheme runs alongside Greater Manchester's wider approach to improving private rented sector standards.
Licence Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount | Per Year (5yr licence) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard licence fee | £775 | £155/year |
| Discounted fee | £620 | £124/year |
The licence fee is per property and covers the full 5-year licence period. This is a one-off cost, not an annual charge. Factor this into your investment calculations alongside other acquisition and compliance costs.
Licence Requirements and Conditions
To obtain and maintain a selective licence, your property must meet the following conditions:
- Annual Gas Safety Certificate
- Smoke alarms on each floor, CO alarms where required
- Valid EPC (minimum E)
- Five-yearly EICR
- Written tenancy agreement
- Proper waste and recycling arrangements
- Adequate security measures (locks, lighting)
- Property maintained to a reasonable standard
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Renting a property that requires a selective licence without obtaining one is a criminal offence under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. The consequences can be severe:
- Civil penalty: Up to £30,000 per offence (alternative to prosecution)
- Criminal prosecution: Unlimited fine on conviction in magistrates' court
- Rent Repayment Order: Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to recover up to 12 months' rent
- Section 21 restriction: You cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice while the property is unlicensed
- Management order: The council can apply to take over management of the property
How to Apply
- Check if your property is in a covered area. This is a borough-wide scheme — all privately rented properties in the area need a licence.
- Gather required documents: Gas Safety Certificate, EPC, EICR, proof of landlord identity, tenancy agreement.
- Apply online through City of Salford Council's licensing portal.
- Pay the licence fee (£775 standard or £620 discounted).
- Await inspection and approval. The council may inspect the property as part of the application process.
Apply on the City of Salford Council website: www.salford.gov.uk/housing/selective-licensing/
Exemptions
The following property types are typically exempt from selective licensing:
- Mandatory licensed HMOs
- Social housing managed by registered providers
- Properties with existing management orders
Exemptions should be confirmed directly with City of Salford Council. Do not assume your property is exempt without verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic.
Related Pages
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Disclaimer: Selective licensing schemes change frequently. Information on this page is researched as of April 2026 but may not reflect the latest council decisions. Always verify fees, covered areas, and requirements directly with City of Salford Council before making investment or licensing decisions. This does not constitute legal advice.