Licensing scheme extended in Manchester
Selective landlord licensing has been extended to nearly 1,900 additional properties in Manchester.
Since 2017, over 3,500 homes across the city have been fully licensed to improve standards.
Starting this week, Manchester City Council announced that the owners and managing agents of 1,863 more flats and houses will now need to apply for a landlord licence. This will ensure these properties meet necessary safety requirements, have the correct gas and electrical safety certification, and demonstrate good management standards.
The latest designated licensing areas have been specifically targeted based on property conditions and antisocial behaviour related to waste management issues. The new licensing schemes cover six Manchester wards:
- Cheetham: Flats above shops and Esmond / Avondale – 405 PRS properties
- Crumpsall: Enver Road – 147 PRS properties
- Harpurhey: Whiteway Street – 116 PRS properties
- Longsight: Heathcote / Sanby Road and Northmoor Road – 679 PRS properties
- Miles Platting & Newton Heath: Droylsden Road and Scotland Street – 373 PRS Properties
- Moss Side: Viscount Street and Heald Grove – 143 PRS properties
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, stated: “We recognize that there are currently fewer regulations and less protection against poor housing in the private sector compared to other rental types, such as social rent properties. This leads to a minority of landlords not taking their property responsibilities, tenant safety, or the wider community impact seriously enough.
“However, this is not reflective of all landlords, as most work diligently to ensure their properties are safe and of a good standard. Selective licensing is one way we can hold those who do not meet standards accountable and improve conditions for our residents. We believe everyone in Manchester deserves a safe and secure home. This is a basic right, and through selective licensing, we can work directly with landlords and tenants to make this a reality. So far, our interventions have had a significant impact, with over 3,550 homes already licensed and 1,700 hazards removed from Manchester’s private sector homes.”
