A step forward to improve housing standards

(Fire safety concerns in communal areas at a HMO.)

This is all part of legislation under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004, which allows councils to designate the whole city for additional licensing where there is evidence that a proportion of HMOs are being poorly managed and are having a negative impact on tenants or the wider community.

The consultation, when launched, will  consider views around the introduction of a Section 257 Additional HMO licensing scheme, which would cover buildings that have been poorly converted into flats. It will gather views from people across the city, including residents, landlords, managing agents, businesses, elected members and other stakeholders.

All the responses will be analysed and used before a final decision is made.

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 in the report presented at Cabinet 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. The majority also failed to meet minimum fire safety standards.

“We must now ensure the views of people living and working in Salford are taken into account before the council takes any further steps. Details on the consultation will be shared across all council channels as soon as it is available.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty said: “It is great news that local people are going to have their say on this and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.

“It is only fair that people have access to decent and safe accommodation. We do not want this city to be a place where people can be exploited and poor conditions are not targeted. The consultation gives us the opportunity hear what our residents want.” 

The consultation is expected to start on Tuesday 3 February.