Salford City Council Landlord Licensing Zoë Whiteside Principal Officer,Market Support Team,Housing Services

Why Introduce Licensing Anti social behaviour Vandalism Empty Properties Risk of Fire in Houses In Multiple Occupation Inexperienced landlords Unsatisfactory landlords

Landlord Licensing : what is it ? Housing Bill expected June 2005 Will require landlords to obtain a license and adhere to license conditions: Mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation with 3 or more storeys, 5 or more people and 2 or more households, Additional licensing of HMOs Selective licensing of other private dwellings where the local authority considers it will benefit tenants and communities, areas of low demand and/or areas with problems of anti social behaviour.

Application criteria ‘Fit and Proper’ Status Consideration to be given to : Unspent convictions which may be relevant to an application in particular: (a) Any offence involving fraud or other dishonesty, or violence or drugs or any Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act (b) Any unlawful discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race, ethnic or national origins or disability in, or in connection with, the carrying on of any business; (c) Contravention of any provision of the law relating to housing or of landlord and tenant law; (including any civil proceedings)

Other application criteria Provide written statements of tenancy obligations & inventories Gas & electrical safety certificates Declaration of furniture safety Provision for dealing with Anti Social Behaviour Fee payable Houses In Multiple Occupation-additionally physical standards,maximum number of occupants

Benefits Of Licensing Reduce Anti social Behaviour Support & training for responsible landlords Exclude rogue landlords Halt area decline Better housing standards for private tenants Benefit to wider community & business Contributes to creation of sustainable communities

Salford’s Approach to Licensing Intend to make full use of powers Selective Licensing expected to be introduced from June 2005 Selective licensing combined with proactive inspection HMO Licensing from October 2005 Links with Accreditation Multi agency approach

Progress & Action Plan Consultation with private landlords First meeting of Landlord Working Group Ongoing consultation with all those affected by Licensing Confirm areas for selective licensing Accurately identify accurate details of properties & landlords who will require a license Link with legal services and the police on information sharing. To develop protocols & procedures on licensing in liaison with Office Of Deputy Prime Minister

Have your say Do you agree with the proposals ? Would you like more information about landlord licensing ? Would you like to be involved in developing the scheme ? Please complete the consultation sheet attached and return in the prepaid envelope