PRSCheck

Manchester: landlord licensing

Manchester operates discretionary property licensing. Here is what is in force, what is coming, and how to check whether your property is affected.

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Active selective licensing

Selective licensing applies to ordinary private rented homes (not just HMOs) within a designated area.

Selective licensing

active

Four street-level designations (2022 cohort): Ben Street (Clayton & Openshaw), Hyde Road & The Ladders (Gorton & Abbey Hey), Trinity (Harpurhey). Check exact streets on council directory.

Dates
1 May 2022 – 30 Apr 2027
Approx. fee
£591-£798 (2022 designation rates)
Council source →

Selective licensing

active

Four street-level designations (2023 cohort): Laindon/Dickenson Road & Birch Lane (Rusholme), Great Western Street/Claremont Road (Moss Side), Matthews Lane (Levenshulme), The Royals (Longsight).

Dates
9 Aug 2023 – 8 Aug 2028
Approx. fee
£736-£936 (2023 designation rates)
Council source →

Selective licensing

active

Six street-level designations (2025 cohort): Enver Road (Crumpsall), Droylsden Road/Scotland Street (Miles Platting & Newton Heath), Esmond/Avondale (Cheetham), Heathcote/Sanby/Northmoor (Longsight), Viscount Street/Heald Grove (Moss Side), Whiteway Street (Harpurhey).

Dates
24 May 2025 – 23 May 2030
Approx. fee
£964 full (£764 early bird)
Council source →

Mandatory HMO licensing (applies everywhere)

Regardless of local schemes, any property in Manchester let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, needs a mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004. Licences last up to 5 years and the fee is set by the council.

Penalties for operating unlicensed

  • Civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026).
  • Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, claimable by the tenant.
  • Unlimited fine on criminal prosecution, plus possible banning order.
  • Once the national PRS Database is live, unregistered landlords can be blocked from regaining possession.

Notes

14 street-level selective designations across three cohorts. NO additional HMO scheme. Must check exact street/address on council directory.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landlord licence in Manchester?

Manchester operates 3 selective licensing scheme(s). Whether your specific property needs a licence depends on its exact location and how it is let, plus mandatory HMO licensing which applies England-wide to properties let to 5+ people in 2+ households.

What is the penalty for an unlicensed property in Manchester?

Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, an unlimited fine on prosecution, and a banning order for serious or repeat offenders.

Does your property need a licence?

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Data verified against council sources as of July 2026. PRSCheck is an information service, not legal advice. Many schemes are designated at street or part-ward level; confirm the exact boundary for your address with the council before relying on this page. Browse all councils.