There could soon be no fewer than eight separate selective licensing areas in Manchester and Salford if proposed schemes are approved, which would create a minefield for many buy-to-let landlords.

The schemes currently being run by either Manchester City Council or Salford City Council are in Crumpsall, Broughton, Barton and Eccles, Langworthy, Weaste and Seedley, while we are all awaiting the outcome of a consultation into a proposed scheme in Rusholme and Moss Side.

But you can currently offer your opinions on the proposals currently under consultation in Old Moat, Moston, as well as Charlestown and Lower Kersal, by simply clicking on the relevant scheme below.

Manchester City Council – Old Moat – Consultation due to end 2nd June 2017. Click Here for Old Moat

Manchester City Council – Moston – Consultation due to end 2nd June 2017. Click Here for Moston

Salford City Council – Charlestown and Lower Kersal – Consultation due to end 12th June 2017. Click Here for Charlestown and Lower Kersal

For further information, homes4u, which work with local landlords to ensure that they comply with the scheme’s conditions and have their portfolios managed effectively, will be holding a Landlord Licensing information evening at their Fallowfield office on Wednesday 7th June between 6.30pm and 8pm.

homes4u’s compliance team and city council staff will be on hand to help explain selective licensing in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

“We want to support landlords who have properties in these neighbourhoods and are unclear about what licensing means for them,” said Adele Turner and Keir Dawson of homes4u’s compliance team. 

“Our staff will take landlords step-by-step through the processes and ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities,” Turner added. “This is a great opportunity for landlords as improvements to neighbourhoods will help increase the demand for their property.”

Selective licensing schemes require private landlords to obtain a licence from the local authority for each property they rent out in the specific area. Fees for each licence can range from £500 to £750.

The landlord licensing schemes in Greater Manchester are designed to help improve housing standards in areas where there is a high proportion of private landlords. 

Manchester City Council has stated they “believe selective licensing will improve the management of privately rented properties and contribute positively to improving neighbourhoods”.

Salford City Council says that licensing will “encourage investment in our city and a thriving private rented market.”