Poor housing conditions in the private rented sector are widespread in Manchester¹, and Manchester City Council already has the power to tackle this by implementing Selective Licensing schemes² for landlords. Currently there are four small schemes in Manchester, ACORN wants to see these expanded to cover the whole city.

When these schemes are implemented and enforced properly it means all landlords in a designated area must have a licence - just as for many other professions (e.g. butchers, dentists and taxi drivers) there are checks and balances in place to guarantee minimum standards of service.

The introduction of City Wide Selective Licensing in Manchester would:

Help crack down on Slum Landlords³ and ensure landlords are ‘fit and proper’ - meaning they must declare convictions for dishonesty, violence, drug-related offences, or breaches of housing, landlord or tenant laws. Improve housing conditions. Each property must meet fire, electric and gas safety standards and be in a good state of repair. Give Local Authorities a way to guarantee tenants’ homes are up to minimum safety standards and are comfortable and well-managed.

Sign this petition to demand City Wide Selective Licensing in Manchester

References:

Full campaign statement: http://www.acornmanchester.co.uk/campaigns/landlord-licensing