Rogue Salford landlords would be forced to improve housing standards under a new HMO licensing scheme targeting poorly converted flats.
Proposals for a new citywide Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme have been tabled ahead of an upcoming Salford Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 27 January.
The scheme would require landlords who own buildings that have been converted into self-contained flats where fewer than two-thirds are owner-occupied to obtain a licence and comply with specific conditions relating to property management and safety.
The move follows a council report outlining that 99% of the 425 Section 257 HMO’s currently in Salford failed to meet expected satisfactory property standards in a recent review.
It also found that 97% failed to meet fire safety standards and 80% lacked a functional fire alarm system.
If councillors agree to the proposals, the consultation would invite feedback from people in the city, including residents, landlords, managing agents, businesses, elected members and other stakeholders.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “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.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, praised the move to introduce the new licensing scheme.
She said: “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.”
