Horror Homes Exposed: 99% Safety Failure in Salford's Secret HMOs Reveals Unchecked Dangers

A recent report has unveiled alarming statistics regarding unregistered Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Salford, with a staggering 99 percent of inspected properties failing to meet minimum safety standards. The local authority's new Private Sector Housing enforcement team conducted investigations at 91 properties, uncovering more than 1,000 'unacceptable hazards' that pose significant risks to tenants.

Among these hazards were 161 issues classified as 'category one hazards,' the most severe type, directly impacting tenants' health and wellbeing. These included critical concerns such as fire safety deficiencies, prevalent mould and damp, and dangers of structural collapse. Specific cases highlighted by the report illustrate the severity of the conditions; for instance, one home inspected after a social worker's alert revealed a 'single timer-operated boiler' leaving tenants without independent control over heating, resulting in 'excessive cold' and rooms riddled with 'damp and mould.' Another landlord faced fines due to a lack of adequate heating and serious fire risks.

These concerning figures emerge as the Salford Council considers implementing tougher licensing rules for HMOs across the borough. Although Salford was a pioneer in Greater Manchester for requiring planning permission to convert homes into shared accommodation, a system known as the Article 4 Direction, issues persist. Previously, HMOs housing up to five people did not require any form of registration, contributing to an estimated over 400 unregistered HMOs in Salford that could harbor 'unacceptable hazards' for tenants.

The proposed new regulations aim to address these systemic problems. If introduced, the rules would mandate additional licensing for HMOs that do not comply with building regulations. Furthermore, landlords would be required to 'take all reasonable steps to prevent anti-social behaviour' at their properties and ensure that the exteriors and surrounding spaces are kept free of litter, promoting better living conditions and community standards.

Councillor Josh Brooks, Executive Support Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, emphasized the necessity of these measures. He stated, “Evidence shows that many of these converted flats are not meeting the standards we expect, so we are taking decisive action. We estimate there are around 425 such properties across the city.” Brooks elaborated that the new scheme would necessitate landlords of affected properties obtaining a council licence, which would only be granted upon demonstrating that properties are safe, well-managed, and meet required standards, including appropriate fire safety measures. He concluded that this initiative would help identify properties more effectively, hold landlords accountable, protect tenants, and ultimately elevate standards within the private rented sector.

However, the proposed scheme has faced criticism from various parties, including local landlords and organizations such as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). Samantha Watkin, Senior Policy Officer at NRLA, expressed concerns in a letter to the council, arguing that “Additional licensing schemes often place the greatest burden on compliant landlords, while those who operate under the radar are less likely to engage…” She also highlighted that “the administrative and financial cost associated with additional licensing, especially for small-scale landlords, undermines the financial feasibility of renting their property and may lead to a reduction of supply within Salford altogether.”

HMOs have become a significant topic of discussion in Salford, with the Reform UK opposition group voicing complaints about 'HMO hotspots' in areas like Weaste and Seedley, Ordsall, and Broughton. A spokesperson for the group noted how residents observe streets where HMOs are concentrated, altering the community landscape. While current rules under the Article 4 Direction aim to prevent HMOs in areas where they already exceed 10 percent of local buildings, the new, tougher rules are now open for public consultation before they can be officially implemented by the council.