New Landlord Licensing Scheme for Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park

The scheme will require landlords in the designated areas to obtain a licence to legally rent out properties. The base licence fee is £609 which is a one off fee.

Landlords who join the Councils voluntary Accreditation scheme and apply in a timely manner can access a licence fee of just £390.  Licences will include a set of conditions designed to ensure homes are safe, well-managed, and habitable.

Landlords must ensure their rental properties are safe and well-maintained to keep them free from hazards like damp, mould, and structural defects. Licence holders are also required to take accountability for the condition and management of their properties, including responding to tenant complaints and maintaining proper records.

Failure to obtain a licence for a property that falls within the designated area or breach of licence conditions is a criminal offence and could result in a prosecution or fines of up to £30,000
The scheme will run for five years and builds on the success of a previous initiative that operated from 2016 to 2021.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council, said: “This scheme is here to improve housing standards for people who live in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park. In total it covers more than 1,300 homes.

“Local people have the chance to take part in a consultation on this and I would like to thanks them for their views which have helped to shape this final policy.

“Nobody should have to live in a rented property that is full of damp and mould and the Selective Licensing Scheme that we have agreed enables us to hold landlords to account. Legitimate landlords do not need to worry, it is poor property management that we are targeting.

“We will continue to work with landlords and local people to make this city a better, more inclusive and fairer place for all.” 

The Housing Act 2004 allows local authorities the make Selective Licensing designation in their area provided that certain criteria are met. The low housing demand criteria includes consideration of property values, and the turnover of occupiers of a residential premises. Also taken into consideration is the number of premises which are available to buy or rent and the length of time they have been unoccupied.