Landlords of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Salford have been issued with over £500,00 in fines.
The crackdown came after Salford City Council launched a Additional HMO Licensing Scheme on 19 July 2021 to make strides in improving housing standards for small shared homes with three or four tenants.
In total 26 landlords have been fined a total of £577,650.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, said: “It is an absolute priority that all residents in Salford live in safe and well-maintained homes. So we have taken action against landlords who are not meeting these conditions.
“We introduced the licensing scheme to improve conditions for tenants and improve management standards. So far it has been a success. Landlords who do not comply with conditions will receive a visit from our enforcement officers and where necessary we will hand out fines.
“But the hard work does not stop here – we will continue to target landlords who fail to meet their obligations.”
Since the scheme’s start, Salford City Council has issued 1,262 HMO licences, to ensure properties meet essential safety and welfare standards with a further 123 licenses currently being processed.
This has led to the inspection of 1,385 properties. Each HMO has been inspected before a licence is issued, and landlords have been required to address hazards and bring their properties up to minimum standards.
The scheme is designed to protect tenants and ensure their homes are safe. If residents have concerns about the condition of a HMO, whether it’s related to safety, cleanliness, or other issues, they are encouraged to report these concerns.
Councillor Tracy Kelly continued: “I would like to thank all those residents who have reported concerns so we can maintain high standards in our city and not put landlord profit before tenant welfare.
“It is also important to note that the council is here to support landlords and agent in meeting their responsibilities. Our officers work very closely with them, and it is only those who do not comply that we have to take action against.”
For more information or to report concerns about an HMO, please contact the Salford City Council Housing Team at housing@salford.gov.uk or 0161 793 2500. Visit our website at Salford City Council Housing for further details.
