Salford City Council is considering a citywide additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) aimed at improving housing standards and tackling poorly managed properties.
Papers outlining the proposals will be discussed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 27 January.
If approved, the council would launch a consultation inviting feedback from residents, landlords, managing agents, businesses, elected members and other stakeholders.
The results would inform a decision on whether to introduce a Section 257 Additional HMO licensing scheme under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004.
POORLY MANAGED
The scheme could cover the whole city, but the council must demonstrate that a significant proportion of HMOs are poorly managed and causing issues for tenants or the wider community.
The consultation ensures local views are taken into account before any new licensing rules are introduced.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett says: “It is important we drive up our housing standards as much as we can in Salford. Initial research by officers has shown some concerning results.
“Information shows that a huge proportion of Section 257 HMOs failed to meet expected property standards. Many properties were found to suffer from poor maintenance, damp, and inadequate energy efficiency, resulting in cold and unhealthy living environments. And the majority also failed to meet minimum fire safety standards.
“These findings make it clear that as a local authority we should give consideration to use powers available to us, and take action. People should be able to rely on a safe and well-managed home in this city. And residents living near HMOs should not have to put up with antisocial behaviour.”
RAISING STANDARDS
Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing Councillor Tracy Kelly adds: “Selective Licensing has been used in Salford since May 2007 in a bid to drive up property standards for renters.
“The private rented sector has seen rapid growth in Salford in the past decade, and we must make sure that people have access to decent accommodation.
“Many landlords provide good, safe homes, and we are not here to target them. We are focused on tackling those who exploit tenants and allow poor conditions to persist. Councillors will get the opportunity to discuss the paper at Cabinet in detail and a decision can then be made on the proposals.”
