Manchester Council has revealed penalties of more than £86,000 handed to landlords under previous selective licensing schemes to justify expanding it to nine more areas.

Schemes in Moss Side and Rusholme ended in January 2023 while schemes in Old Moat and Moston ended last April.

During inspections, 10% of properties were found to be non-compliant (pictured) and 54 serious hazards were found. Another 1,342 other hazards were identified including damp and mould, fire safety, and electrical issues.

As a result, landlords were handed 93 enforcement notices, and 971 enforcement actions were served for environmental issues.

Fifteen landlords received civil penalty notices for either failing to apply for a licence or for non-compliance with enforcement notices. Fines totalling £71,799 were issued and landlords were charged £14,532 for time spent processing enforcement notices.  

Consultation

So far, 3,240 properties have been licensed under the eight live selective licensing schemes and past schemes. A consultation into nine new areas across six wards is due to take place in the Spring once councillors grant executive approval.

If approved, the new schemes should take effect by December 2024 and would include a total of 1,872 PRS homes in:

• Whiteway Street area in Harpurhey,

• Leng Road/Melrose Street/Droylsden Road and Scotland Street area in Miles Platting & Newton Heath,

• Viscount Street area and Heald Grove areas in Moss Side,

• Enver Road area in Crumpsall,

• Heathcote Road/ Sanby Road area and Northmoor Road areas in Longsight,

• Flats above shops and Esmond Road/Avondale Street area in Cheetham Hill.

Councillor Gavin White (pictured), executive member for housing and development, says: “Selective licensing does improve properties and it does hold landlords to account. Even something as simple as getting a new gas or electrical safety certificate means that home is safer than it was before.”

Images: Manchester City Council/Shutterstock/Kevin George.

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