Proposals to improve HMO standards in Salford

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. The feedback would then be analysed before any further decisions are made.

The council could launch a consultation which would inform a decision on whether to introduce a Section 257 Additional HMO licensing scheme, for  buildings that have been poorly converted into flats.

This introduction would be under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 and allows the council to designate the whole city for additional licensing. The council would have to prove that there is evidence that a proportion of the HMOs are not managed effectively and causing issues for those occupying, or the wider community. And before the introduction the council must take views of people in the city onboard.

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 leaving 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 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.”

The meeting papers are available online.