Managing Agent Fined

£500 fine for unlicensed property

Failing to licence a privately rented house in Salford under the Selective Licensing Scheme cost a landlord £842.90 when he appeared before Salford magistrates on 9 June.

Matthew Gregory, of Gemini Estates, Church Street, Eccles, admitted failing to sign up to the scheme, which operates in the Seedley and Langworthy regeneration area, where the house he lets in Milford Street is situated.

The scheme was introduced by Salford City Council two years ago to secure improved standards of property management and to tackle problems of low demand and anti social behaviour in the area.

Licences are granted only if landlords provide certain information about their management arrangements and pass a "fit and proper" person test.

The council sent Gregory an application form in January, 2008 but he failed to return it and ignored a series of reminders, said Paul Scott, prosecuting for the council.

Gregory, who runs a business managing properties for other landlords, said he had been unaware of the scheme coming into force but took full responsibility for the lapse.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay costs totalling £342.90.

Councillor Peter Connor, lead member for housing, said: "We are doing all we can to raise standards in the private sector for the benefit of tenants and the wider community. This case shows that we are prepared to help landlords to licence their properties but will prosecute those who do not."

Private tenants in Salford concerned about standards at property they rent can call 0161 793 3150.

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009