How to Pass Your HMO Licensing Inspection in Manchester (First Time)

What Is an HMO Licensing Inspection?

Manchester City Council requires all large HMOs—and many smaller ones in designated areas—to be licensed. As part of the application or renewal, your property will undergo an inspection to verify that it:

• Meets housing standards for safety and hygiene
• Complies with HMO management regulations
• Satisfies all electrical and fire safety requirements

Failure to meet these requirements could result in:

• A refused or delayed licence
• Improvement notices and re-inspection costs
• Civil penalties up to £30,000
• A loss of rental income while issues are resolved

What Inspectors Look For (And How to Prepare)

Here are the top areas inspectors will focus on—and how Manchester EICR Limited helps you pass:

✅ Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

You must have a valid EICR, renewed every 5 years by a competent, certified electrician.

• We provide HMO EICRs in Manchester tailored to licensing needs
• Clear, compliant reports delivered digitally for easy council submission
• Fast remedial works for C1/C2 issues, often within 24–48 hours
• Advice on ongoing maintenance to remain compliant between inspections

✅ PAT Testing for Shared Appliances

PAT testing is often a condition of your licence and proves due diligence.

• Annual PAT testing in Manchester for all communal appliances (kettles, microwaves, toasters, etc.)
• Clear pass/fail logs and labeling on all tested items
• Out-of-hours service to minimise tenant disruption
• Asset register provided for easy management across multiple properties

✅ Fuse Board Compliance

Outdated fuse boards are a red flag. We assess and upgrade consumer units to meet modern standards.

• Full fuse board upgrades in Manchester, including replacement of obsolete units
• Installation of RCDs, surge protection devices (SPDs), and arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) as required by latest wiring regulations
• Customised solutions for older properties and converted buildings

✅ Fire Alarm Systems

Fire detection is a critical element of any HMO inspection. The type of system required depends on the property’s layout, number of storeys, and number of tenants. The most commonly required systems include:

• Grade A System – This includes a full fire alarm panel with smoke/heat detectors and manual call points throughout the property. It’s typically required in larger HMOs (three storeys or more) or those housing five or more tenants.
• Grade D1 or D2 Systems – These consist of interlinked mains-powered smoke and heat alarms with battery backup. More commonly used in smaller HMOs or two-storey properties.

Requirements typically include:

• Smoke alarms on each landing and communal space
• Heat detectors in kitchens
• Interlinked alarms for full-system communication

We conduct compliance checks on existing fire alarm systems and refer our clients to trusted BAFE-accredited installers if a new system or upgrade is required.

✅ Emergency Lighting

In HMOs with shared stairwells or multiple storeys, emergency lighting may be required.

• We carry out initial assessments and supply written recommendations
• Work with approved lighting specialists to install or repair systems
• Periodic testing and certification available

✅ Documentation Support

You must provide documentation on request, including:

• EICR report
• PAT testing log
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting service records
• Gas safety certificate

We support you with:

• Secure cloud-based document storage
• Easy-to-access reports for you, your agent, and the council
• Proactive renewal reminders to stay ahead of expiry dates