Licensing in some areas Selective licensing in parts of the city.
Licensing schemes in Manchester
| Scheme | Applies to | Area | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England | Since 2006 (national law) |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Clayton and Openshaw, Harpurhey, Gorton and Abbey Hey | 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2027 |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Longsight, Rusholme, Levenshulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range | 9 August 2023 to 8 August 2028 |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Cheetham, Crumpsall, Miles Platting and Newton Heath, plus specific streets in Harpurhey (Whiteway Street), Longsight (Heathcote Road/Sanby Road and Northmoor Road) and Moss Side (Viscount Street and Heald Grove) | 24 May 2025 to 23 May 2030 |
What this means for landlords in Manchester
- Selective licensing in Manchester covers specific streets within these areas, not always the whole ward. Check the exact address with the council.
- We found no additional HMO licensing scheme in Manchester when we checked.
How to check your property
- Work out who lives there: how many people, and whether they are one household or sharers.
- Check the exact address against the council's map or address checker. Schemes often cover parts of wards, and boundaries change.
- Apply before you let, or straight away if a new scheme has started. Letting without a required licence can lead to a fine or civil penalty and a rent repayment order.
- Check planning too. Some areas need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO (an Article 4 direction).
Our free council finder tells you which council covers a postcode, and the HMO compliance checker helps you work out whether a property is an HMO.
Official information: Manchester City Council: selective licensing
Other councils
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out a house in Manchester?
It depends on the property, who lives there and exactly where it is. Every council licenses larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households). In Manchester, selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in Clayton and Openshaw, Harpurhey, Gorton and Abbey Hey (1 May 2022 to 30 April 2027); selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in Longsight, Rusholme, Levenshulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range (9 August 2023 to 8 August 2028); selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in Cheetham, Crumpsall, Miles Platting and Newton Heath (24 May 2025 to 23 May 2030). Check the address with Manchester City Council.
What happens if I let a property in Manchester without a licence?
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty, and tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order.
How does LandlordHub help with licensing?
LandlordHub tracks each property's licence alongside gas, electrical, EPC and other certificates, and reminds you before anything expires. The council finder and HMO checker are free to use without an account.