Landlords and agents are being asked their views on proposals to expand Selective Licensing to eight new areas of Manchester.

There are already seven areas where Selective Licensing is in operation and the consultation on the expansion will close on December 14.

If agreed, the enlarged licensing regime could come into effect in spring 2023.

Gavin White, Manchester council’s executive member for housing and development, says: “We are seeing the real positive impact of selective licensing in the previously designated areas and it’s satisfying that through our licensing schemes and subsequent investigative work our officers are uncovering serious issues that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. 

“We firmly believe that everyone living in Manchester deserves a decent home to live in and as our private rented sector grows, landlord licensing gives us a way of making sure that our residents can sleep easy knowing their property is safe.  

“Of course, we know that the vast majority of landlords do manage their properties to a good standard – but for those that don’t, our message is that it’s unacceptable to take advantage of your tenants and we will do what we can to hold them to account. There is no place for rogue landlords in our city.”