HMO licensing in Trafford

Trafford Council operates the national mandatory scheme. We found no additional or selective licensing scheme in force or proposed as of September 2026. Councils can introduce one after a public consultation, so it is worth setting an alert.

The published fee for a new HMO licence is £1,223, and £1,223 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.

The application fee is £1,012 for HMOs up to and including 6 bedrooms, plus £25 for each additional bedroom above 6. A further £211 grant fee is payable once the licence is approved, giving a total of £1,223 for a property with up to 6 bedrooms. A licence variation costs £331 and pre-application advice costs £435. Trafford's published fee page does not describe a formal instalment plan; the application fee is required before the application is processed, with the grant fee due on approval.

Check the current fee on the council website (trafford.gov.uk) before you apply.

National minimums for licensed HMOs are 6.51 m² for one adult and 10.22 m² for two adults; councils can apply higher local standards.

• Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates are required as part of every application, confirming the systems are tested and working.
• Fire extinguisher service records must be provided where extinguishers are fitted.
• A fire risk assessment is required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all HMOs nationally.

• The council assesses occupier suitability, the adequacy of shared facilities, and management competence via a 'fit and proper person' test before granting a licence.
• Adequate number of bathrooms, toilets and kitchen facilities must be provided for the number of occupants, in line with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

• Property floor plan — With measurements of each room.
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates — Confirming the systems are tested and in working order.
• Fire extinguisher service records — Where fire extinguishers are fitted at the property.
• Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Current annual certificate for all gas appliances.
• EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report for the fixed wiring.
• PAT testing certificate — Where applicable, for electrical appliances supplied by the landlord.
• Tenancy agreement — Copy of the agreement used at the property.
• Basic DBS certificate — Obtained within 6 months of the date of application, for the licence holder and manager.

• trafford.gov.uk
• trafford.gov.uk
• trafford.gov.uk
• trafford.gov.uk
• legislation.gov.uk

Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with Trafford Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.