Public Health Crisis: Salford Targets Section 257 HMOs with Licensing

Key Points

• Salford Mayor Paul Dennett declared a “public health crisis” over shocking conditions in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), particularly Section 257 HMOs.
• Council inspections of 91 HMOs found 99% below required health and safety standards.
• Common issues include fire hazards, damp and mould, and excess cold from poor heating.
• Section 257 HMOs are converted buildings into self-contained flats that failed original building regulations, remain non-compliant, and are less than two-thirds owner-occupied.
• Salford Council vows a crackdown on rogue landlords renting unsafe properties.
• Plans for a city-wide additional licensing scheme for Section 257 HMOs, approved for consultation by Mayor Dennett and cabinet.
• Salford is the first local authority in Greater Manchester to pursue such a scheme.
• Licensing would cover approximately 425 properties, enabling council oversight and enforcement like fines or prosecution for substandard HMOs.
• Mayor Dennett called conditions “absolutely scandalous,” urging landlords to “get their act together” as tenants deserve better.
• Councillor John Merry supports the scheme, noting tenants can “sleep a little bit easier” with licensed landlords held accountable.
• Last summer, council issued £2.2m in fines to landlords; in July, 26 HMO landlords fined over £500,000.
• Fine income reinvested into housing standards and enforcement team for more inspections.
• Dennett believes good landlords will welcome licensing to ensure tenant safety; stresses urgency: “The sooner we act the better because goodness knows what’s going on in the ones we have not inspected.”

Salford (Manchester Mirror) January 27, 2026 – Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has declared a public health crisis over shocking conditions in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), with council inspections revealing 99 per cent of 91 checked properties falling below health and safety standards. Tenants endure fire hazards, damp, mould, and excess cold from inadequate heating, primarily in Section 257 HMOs—converted buildings that never met regulations and remain less than two-thirds owner-occupied. The council has vowed a crackdown on rogue landlords, launching a consultation on a pioneering city-wide licensing scheme to target approximately 425 such properties.

What Triggered Salford’s Public Health Crisis Declaration?

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett labelled the situation a “public health crisis,” stating as reported in council proceedings, “This is a public health crisis as far as I’m concerned, out of 91 properties 99 per cent of them failed, that is absolutely scandalous.” Inspections by council officers uncovered widespread failures in basic standards, with fire hazards, damp and mould, and poor heating cited as the most prevalent dangers. These issues predominantly affect Section 257 HMOs, defined in the council report as “buildings that have been converted into self-contained flats but did not meet the required building regulation applicable at the time they were converted, and still do not meet those regulations, and are less than two thirds owner-occupied.” [ from conversation context, adapted to news]

The scale of the problem prompted immediate action from Dennett and his cabinet, who agreed to consult on an additional licensing scheme. This measure, if implemented, would require landlords of these HMOs to obtain council licences, granting officials better visibility into property conditions. Non-compliant properties could then face enforcement, including fines or prosecution.

Why Are Section 257 HMOs a Focus for Salford Council?

Section 257 HMOs represent a specific vulnerability in Salford’s housing stock, as they bypassed modern building standards during conversion and persist in substandard states. The council report highlights that the scheme aims “to improve standards across approximately 425 properties” in the city. Mayor Dennett emphasised Salford’s pioneering role, noting it “is the first local authority in Greater Manchester” to pursue such targeted licensing for these properties.

Councillor John Merry backed the proposal strongly, as recorded in council discussions: “I just think if you’re a tenant you can sleep a little bit easier knowing that your property is covered by landlord licensing, because it means that the landlord cannot escape their responsibility, and we can actually do something about it.” This scheme builds on existing powers, allowing the council to intervene directly where standards falter.

How Will the Licensing Scheme Crack Down on Rogue Landlords?

The proposed city-wide additional licensing scheme mandates landlords to register Section 257 HMOs, enabling proactive inspections and enforcement. HMOs not meeting standards could face fines or prosecution, according to the council report. Mayor Dennett delivered a stern message to landlords: “Landlords should be ashamed of themselves operating these sorts of properties in the city of Salford. Today we are saying yes we are going out to consultation, but I want today to be a very firm message to HMO landlords that they really do get their act together because the people of Salford deserve better, I am deeply concerned about this.”

Dennett anticipates broad support, adding that Salford’s landlords would “welcome” the scheme as it promotes tenant safety. He underscored urgency: “The sooner we act the better because goodness knows what’s going on in the ones we have not inspected.” This follows a pattern of robust enforcement, with fines reinvested to bolster the housing standards team.

What Past Enforcement Actions Has Salford Council Taken?

Salford Council has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe rentals. Last summer, it handed out £2.2m in fines to landlords renting substandard properties. In July, 26 HMO landlords were fined more than £500,000 collectively. These penalties fund an expanded enforcement team, enabling more inspections like the recent 91-property sweep.

This history reinforces the crackdown’s credibility. Income from such measures directly supports proactive checks, ensuring persistent pressure on rogue operators. The council’s track record positions the new licensing as a logical escalation.

How Does This Fit Greater Manchester’s Housing Landscape?

As the first in Greater Manchester to target Section 257 HMOs this way, Salford sets a regional precedent. Neighbouring authorities monitor such schemes, potentially inspiring wider adoption. Dennett’s declaration amplifies calls for elevated standards across the city-region.

What Do Tenants and Officials Say About the Crisis?

Tenants face immediate risks from fire hazards and mould, exacerbating health issues in vulnerable households. Merry’s endorsement highlights licensing’s reassurance value, holding landlords accountable. Dennett’s rhetoric—“absolutely scandalous”—captures public outrage, framing the issue as a moral failing.

The consultation invites input from residents, landlords, and stakeholders, ensuring balanced implementation. Officials stress that compliant landlords benefit, weeding out rogues.

What Lies Ahead for Salford’s HMO Landlords?

Post-consultation, licensing could roll out swiftly, covering 425 properties. Enforcement ramps up, with fines and prosecutions for persistent offenders. Dennett’s firm stance signals no leniency: tenants “deserve better.”

This crisis exposes systemic flaws in converted housing, urging national reflection. Salford’s bold move may catalyse reform, safeguarding residents amid rising scrutiny on private rentals.