Licensing of private rented properties

As a private landlord you need a licence to rent out accommodation in Manchester if:

1. you rent any accommodation in specific areas

If you are a private landlord you must have a separate licence for all accommodation you rent out in these parts of Manchester:

• Harpurhey
• Lightbowne (in Moston)
• Bradford
• Gorton

This is called selective licensing

2. you rent a 'house in multiple occupation' that meets certain criteria

If you rent out a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in any part of Manchester, you must have a licence if it:

• has three storeys or more (including usable basements or attics); and
• is occupied by five or more people; and
• those people form two or more households; and
• tenants share some amenities like kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

This is called mandatory licensing.

3. you rent a house in multiple occupation in an area with certain problems

You need a licence if you rent out a house in multiple occupation (HMO) - that isn't already covered by mandatory licensing - in areas where poor management is causing problems.

This is called additional licensing

Need a licence?

If you need a licence and haven't applied, you are breaking the law. Find out how to get a licence.