Shock safety failures of Salford's unregistered HMOs

Nearly every unregistered HMO inspected in Salford failed to meet minimum safety standards, a report has found.

Salford City Council investigated 91 properties and found more than 1,000 "unacceptable hazards", including 161 which posed a risk to tenants' health and well being.

One home was flagged to the council for having a single timer-operated boiler, which left tenants unable to control their own heating, leading to "excessive cold". Another landlord was fined for lack of heating and fire risks.

The council said it was taking "decisive action" by introducing measures which would force HMOs which did not meet regulations to apply for extra licensing.

It would also require landlords to "take all reasonable steps to prevent anti-social behaviour" at their properties, and ensure the exteriors and spaces around the buildings are kept free of litter.

Councillor Josh Brooks, Salford City Council's executive support member for housing and anti-poverty said: "We estimate there are around 425 such properties across the city.

"Evidence shows that many of these converted flats are not meeting the standards we expect, so we are taking decisive action.

"To secure a licence, they will need to demonstrate that their properties are safe, well managed and meet the required standards, including appropriate fire safety measures.

"This will help us identify properties more effectively, hold landlords to account, protect tenants and ultimately drive-up standards in the private rented sector."

The idea has already come under fire from local landlords and organisations such as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

In a letter addressed to the council, Samantha Watkin, a NRLA senior policy officer wrote: "Additional licensing schemes often place the greatest burden on compliant landlords, while those who operate under the radar are less likely to engage.

"The administrative and financial cost associated with additional licensing, especially for small-scale landlords, undermines the financial feasibility of renting their property and may lead to a reduction of supply within Salford altogether."

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