HMO licensing in Manchester

Which licences a rented house needs in Manchester, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Manchester runs selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

None found

Council HMO fees page lists mandatory licensing from 5 occupants only; no additional scheme on council pages. Third-party guides conflict (some claim schemes in Fallowfield/Withington/Rusholme). Treat as no current scheme, verify with council.

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWherenamed areas: Clayton and Openshaw, Gorton and Abbey Hey (Hyde Road, Ladders), Harpurhey (2022-27); Longsight (The Royals), Levenshulme (Matthews Lane), Moss Side (Great Western St/Claremont Rd), Rusholme (Laindon/Dickenson Rd, Birch Lane) (2023-28); Cheetham, Crumpsall (Enver Rd), Harpurhey (Whiteway St), Longsight x2, Miles Platting & Newton Heath x2, Moss Side x2 (2025-30)Designated1 May 2022Ends23 May 2030

Three waves of selective designations: 1 May 2022 to 30 Apr 2027, 9 Aug 2023 to 8 Aug 2028, 24 May 2025 to 23 May 2030 (council fees page).

Council HMO page · HMO Article 4 in Manchester

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Manchester council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.