Landlord Licensing Referencing

Under the new regulations introduced by the Housing Act 2004, Salford City Council have introduced a Mandatory HMO Licensing Scheme and a Selective Licensing Scheme. This means Landlords of certain properties are now required to apply for a licence and adhere to certain licence conditions.

One of the licence conditions will require landlords to obtain references for their tenants. One of the main aims in gaining references is that it will allow the landlord to make an informed decision as to whether to let their property to the proposed tenant. A reference will highlight the history of a tenant and will provide the landlord with information such as details of any rent arrears in previous accommodation and/or whether the tenant may have caused nuisance. This will ensure landlords are made aware of those minority tenants who persistently cause anti social behaviour.

At present, Salford City Council has a referencing service, which is run by the Landlord Accreditation Team. This service is currently in the process of being revised in order to offer an improved, more detailed cross tenure referencing service. Salford City Council, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police and local Registered Social Landlords are in the process of designing a new referencing service which should be available later this year.

In order to assist landlords with this requirement, the landlord licensing team have produced a referencing proforma and inventory checklist which landlords are able to download or you can request a copy from the licensing team by calling 0161 793 3344.

If you would like more information regarding landlord licensing, please contact the landlord licensing team on 0161 793 3344 or email at landlord.licensing@salford.gov.uk.