Bolton council is the latest to launch a public consultation on a borough wide additional licensing scheme for HMOs.

Under the proposals, a licence would cost £1,211 per property and would last for five years.

A statement claims the proposed new licensing scheme would improve safety, property standards and management in privately rented shared accommodation.

It would also apparently help protect tenants and improve neighbourhoods across the borough.

The statement continues: “While many landlords manage their properties responsibly, evidence shows that a growing number of smaller HMOs are poorly managed or unsafe, leading to issues such as fire safety risks, overcrowding, poor living conditions, waste problems and anti-social behaviour.

“Currently, national licensing rules only apply to larger HMOs with five or more occupants and the council’s proposal would extend licensing to cover smaller HMOs with three or four occupants, as well as certain converted buildings where safety standards may be inadequate.

“f approved, the Additional Licensing Scheme would apply across the whole of Bolton and would require landlords of affected properties to meet clear conditions relating to safety, property condition and management.

“This would allow the council to identify HMOs, carry out inspections, and take action where standards fall short.”