Consultation begins on yet another private rental sector licensing regime

The local authority in Manchester is proposing to introduce a landlord licensing scheme in the north of the city and has started its mandatory consultation period. 

Initially focussed on a small part of Crumpsall, covering an area of around 400 private sector homes, the council claims the selective licensing scheme will look to improve management standards and conditions of private rented housing and support the reduction of anti-social behaviour.

Three other pilot areas have been identified – parts of Rusholme, Moston and Old Moat (Withington) – will follow the Crumpsall consultation. 

To secure a licence the landlord or agent acting on their behalf must provide an up to date gas and electric safety certificate, demonstrate safe condition of electrical appliances, the presence of smoke detectors in a working condition, the provision to the tenant of a written tenancy agreement, and evidence of demanding a reference for prospective tenants. 

A council spokesman says: “We’re proposing a very focused selective licensing area, which means we can concentrate our efforts on a specific part of Crumpsall so that we can be clear on the impact and measure what works and what doesn’t. We see this as the first of a number of focussed programmes that will help improve private sector housing for tenants and the wider community.”

Last week Andy Burnham - Labour’s candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral elections next year - promised a city-wide landlord licensing regime.