Salford landlord first in the country
Salford landlord first in the country to receive licence in new scheme
Walter Sharp, who lets a property on Liverpool Street, Seedley has been presented with his landlord licence by Salford City Council's lead member for housing Cllr Peter Connor.
Seedley and Langworthy is the first area in the country to introduce selective licensing which requires all landlords with property in the area to apply for a licence, with fines of up to £20,000 if they are found to be operating without one
The aim of selective licensing is to ensure all rented properties are well managed in a bid to help reduce anti-social behaviour, making the area a place people choose to live in and helping strengthen its community.
In order to be granted a licence, landlords have to provide information about their management arrangements and also meet certain criteria, such as passing a "fit and proper person" test.
Said Mr Sharp, who is also a member of Salford's landlord accreditation scheme: " I believe that Selective Licensing is a positive step forward in ensuring that standards within the private rented sector are improved for the benefit of tenants, landlords and communities as a whole.
"I am pleased to be the first landlord in the country to receive a licence, but I am also glad to have had the opportunity to work with Salford City Council in their efforts to effect this change."
Cllr Peter Connor, Salford City Council's lead member, added: "There is currently much investment in the physical regeneration of Seedley and Langworthy, but schemes like landlord licensing are just as important in making it a place where existing and new residents want to live.
"Licensing will allow us to take action against the minority of poor landlords and contribute to strengthened, more confident communities.
Our landlord licensing team will continue to work closely with landlords in Seedley and Langworthy over the coming months to offer help and advice wherever necessary."
To apply for a licence for a property in Salford call the landlord licensing team on 0161 793 3344.
This page was last updated on 4 October 2009
