During a crackdown on rogue landlords Salford City Council has issued fines totalling £577,650 for breaches of HMO rules – according to Councillor Tracy Kelly (pictured), Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty.

The crackdown began after the Council launched an Additional HMO licensing scheme in July 2021 for small, shared homes with three or four tenants.

Since then, Salford has issued 1,262 HMO licences, with a further 123 licences currently being processed, and 1,385 properties have been inspected.

Driving up standards

Kelly says: “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.

It is only those who do not comply that we have to take action against.”

“But the hard work does not stop here – we will continue to target landlords who fail to meet their obligations.”

And she adds: “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 agents 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.”