Four new landlord licensing areas in operation in Manchester

Selective licensing schemes have been introduced in areas of north and east Manchester to help improve standards for residents living in the private rented sector, covering more than 1,400 properties.

Selective licensing allows councils to introduce compulsory licenses for all private rented properties in areas experiencing significant and persistent problems caused by antisocial behaviour, poor property conditions, high levels of migration or deprivation, high levels of crime or low housing demand.

The four new areas that are now designated are The Ladders and Hyde Road in Gorton and Abbey Hey, Trinity in Harpurhey, and the Ben Street area in Clayton and Openshaw.

All residents in properties that now require a licence will receive a letter explaining that licensing is now in operation and that their landlord will be required to apply.

Landlords are encouraged to apply for a licence as the earliest opportunity with an early bird discount being offered to all applications received between 31 January 2022 and 30 April 2022.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said: ‘While we know that the majority of landlords in the city are good and take their responsibility to their tenants seriously, there are a minority that seem content to rent out substandard or dangerous properties.  There is no place for rogue landlords in Manchester.

‘This is where Selective Licensing comes in – and these schemes provide a way for the Council to work with property owners, landlords and agents to ensure that their homes are up to scratch, while also tackling neighbourhood issues, such as waste problems. What is clear from areas of the city that have had Selective Licensing for a few years is that these schemes do improve standards in private sector homes – and tenants are seeing the real-life benefits. 

‘The enforcement work carried out by Council officers mean that residents in private sector homes in these areas can sleep soundly knowing that their homes have been made safe as a direct result of Selective Licensing.  We want to do all we can to ensure that all our residents can live in safe, secure, sustainable and affordable homes.’

In related news, the Hengrove Park development in South Bristol will provide 1400 new homes, at least half of which will be affordable housing.

Photo by Greg Willson