Salford Mayor Paul Dennett expressed concern after an investigation into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) converted into flats revealed nearly all failed to meet basic safety requirements.
The findings, outlined in a detailed review by Salford City Council’s Private Sector Housing Team, have prompted the council to pursue a city-wide licensing crackdown, focusing on ‘Section 257’ properties, which are older houses converted into self-contained flats that do not meet 1991 building regulations.
The council’s inspection programme found almost universal non-compliance. 99% of properties failed to meet basic housing standards, and a total of 97% of properties did not comply with minimum fire safety requirements.
84% lacked adequate protected escape routes to prevent the spread of smoke, with 80% having fire alarms that were either faulty or missing entirely.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett described the findings as “concerning results” for the state of these homes.
“The research shows that a huge proportion of Section 257 HMOs fail to meet expected property standards. Many properties suffer from poor maintenance, damp, and inadequate energy efficiency, leaving tenants in cold and unhealthy living conditions. The majority also fail to meet minimum fire safety standards,” he said.
These properties present a particular challenge because, as self-contained flats, they often fall outside existing mandatory licensing rules, leaving many of the estimated 425 such buildings in Salford unregulated and uninspected.
The report said the results point to a “systemic failure” among landlords to implement essential safety measures, with many either unaware of their legal duties or guilty of neglect, leaving tenants in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
In response, Salford’s Cabinet has approved a formal 10-week minimum statutory consultation on a city-wide “Additional HMO Licensing” scheme. If introduced, all landlords of these properties would be required to obtain a licence and comply with strict safety standards.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, said the proposals are aimed at tackling rogue landlords.
“The private rented sector has grown rapidly in Salford over the past decade, and we must ensure people have access to decent accommodation. Many landlords provide good, safe homes and are not the focus here. Our priority is to address those who exploit tenants and allow poor conditions to persist,” she said.
Landlords who fail to comply with the proposed rules could face serious consequences, including criminal prosecution or civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence. The consultation will now seek the views of tenants, landlords and businesses across the city before a final decision is taken.
