As a Manchester letting agency, we understand the importance of maintaining high standards for rental properties in our city. One way that local authorities aim to achieve this is through selective landlord licensing.

What is selective landlord licensing?

Selective landlord licensing is a scheme that requires landlords to obtain a license for each property they let out in a designated area. This license is separate from any other licenses or registrations required for renting out a property, such as an HMO license.

The aim of selective licensing is to improve the standard of rented properties, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the area. It also aims to address the issue of rogue landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants and fail to maintain their properties to a safe and habitable standard.

How does selective landlord licensing work in Manchester?

In Manchester, selective licensing is currently in place in certain areas of the city, including Crumpsall, Moss Side, Rusholme, and Moston. Landlords in these areas are required to obtain a license for each property they let out, which lasts for a period of five years.

To obtain a license, landlords must meet certain criteria, including providing evidence of their fitness to hold a license, completing training courses on landlord and tenant law, and ensuring that their property meets minimum safety standards.

The cost of a selective landlord license in Manchester is currently £750 per property, with discounts available for landlords who are members of accredited landlord schemes.

What are the benefits of selective landlord licensing?

Selective landlord licensing has several benefits for landlords, tenants, and the wider community. Firstly, it helps to ensure that rented properties meet minimum safety standards, such as having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and that any necessary repairs or maintenance are carried out promptly.

This benefits tenants by providing them with a safe and habitable living environment, and by protecting them from exploitation by rogue landlords. It also benefits landlords by reducing the risk of costly repairs and legal action resulting from unsafe or poorly maintained properties.

Selective licensing can also help to reduce anti-social behaviour in the community, by providing local authorities with the power to take action against landlords who allow their properties to be used for illegal activities or who fail to address complaints from neighbours about noise, littering, or other issues.

Finally, selective landlord licensing can help to improve the overall quality of life in the community by encouraging landlords to take pride in their properties and to be more responsive to the needs of their tenants and the wider community.

What are the criticisms of selective landlord licensing?

Despite the many benefits of selective landlord licensing, there are some criticisms of the scheme. One of the main criticisms is that it places an additional financial burden on landlords, particularly those who own multiple properties.

Another criticism is that it can be difficult for local authorities to enforce selective licensing, particularly if Manchester letting agency landlords are based outside of the UK or if they are reluctant to comply with the requirements of the scheme.

However, many Manchester letting agency landlords and tenants in Manchester have welcomed the introduction of selective landlord licensing, citing the benefits it has brought to their communities.

What can landlords do to ensure compliance with selective landlord licensing?

As a landlord in Manchester, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure compliance with selective landlord licensing regulations:

1. Check if your property falls under the selective licensing scheme: Before applying for a selective landlord license, you should check if your property is located in an area that requires a license. You can check with the local council to find out if your property is affected by selective licensing.
2. Apply for a selective landlord license: Once you have established that your property requires a license, you will need to apply for a selective landlord license. This involves completing an application form and paying a fee. The council will then carry out checks to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for the license.
3. Ensure that your property meets the necessary standards: To obtain a selective landlord license, you will need to ensure that your property meets certain standards. This includes ensuring that the property is safe and secure, and that any necessary repairs or maintenance work has been carried out.
4. Keep up-to-date with licensing requirements: Once you have obtained a selective landlord license, it is important to keep up-to-date with any changes to the licensing requirements. This may include renewing your license on a regular basis or ensuring that you comply with any new regulations that are introduced.
5. Work with a reputable Manchester letting agency: If you use letting agents to manage your properties, it is important to work with reputable agents, such as @ThePlace, who are familiar with the selective licensing regulations in Manchester. This can help to ensure that you remain compliant with the licensing requirements.