Residents of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Salford say a recent wave of vandalism targeting properties alleged to house asylum seekers has left them feeling unsettled, even as they continue to rely on shared housing to afford the city.
Sean*, a 32-year-old who has lived in Salford for 14 years, received an email from his property management firm in early October telling him and his housemates to 'be safe' after a spate of attacks. 'No HMO' was painted on doors and walls, and windows were bricked across the borough.
Rents spiral across Greater Manchester
Sean, who pays £800 a month including bills for his current HMO, said renting a studio is unaffordable. "It's the only way I can afford to live in Salford, otherwise I would have had to move back in with my parents," he told the Manchester Evening News. "Rent has just gone astronomical lately. Living in a studio - which would be my dream - is just not affordable. I can't even rent a studio."
He first moved into an HMO in 2015, paying £300 a month to live in a former hotel in Monton. Rents in Salford peaked at above 13 per cent growth in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), slowing to 3.1 per cent in the latest figure. The average monthly private rent in Salford was £1,173 in September 2026, compared to £1,137 a year earlier.
Residents fear anti-immigrant targeting
Sean, who lives with people from France and Cyprus, expressed concern about the rhetoric surrounding the HMO story. "The only thing that works in our favour is we are all white, so we are not the obvious target for it," he said. "But it does make you look out and think twice. I've got friends that are Black who tell me they have to be extra aware - they have one less pint in case it softens their senses."
Molly Gladwin, a University of Salford student living in Lower Broughton, said two recent incidents took place a few streets away. "Our student housing in Salford is so mixed in with the general public," she said. "There are families that live around us - people that are just trying to get by."
Police and council respond
Greater Manchester Police has made arrests in connection with the incidents. Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said: "Our relentless pursuit of those causing or facilitating this recent spate of damage is not letting up as we continue to explore multiple lines of enquiry." He added that vulnerable people, including children, may be being exploited to damage buildings.
Salford council's lead member for neighbourhoods, environment and community safety, Coun Barbara Bentham, said: "Everybody's got a right to feel safe in their own home. If people are not happy with things that are beyond our control in Salford, let's get around a table and talk about it. You don't need to damage property." The council is setting up meetings in affected areas and appealing for calm.
