Here’s the rewritten version, divided into multiple paragraphs, using British English and made longer for a more natural, original feel:
A council has revealed that it has handed out fines totalling over £500,000 to HMO landlords operating in its area.
The crackdown began after Salford City Council introduced an Additional HMO licensing scheme around four years ago. Since the scheme’s launch, the council has issued 1,262 HMO licences, and there are currently another 123 licences still being processed.
As part of this process, the council has inspected 1,385 HMOs before licences were approved. These inspections have led to landlords being told to fix hazards and ensure their properties meet what the council describes as its “minimum standards.”
In total, 26 landlords have been fined, with the combined penalties amounting to an impressive £577,650. The figures highlight the scale of the council’s ongoing effort to tackle substandard rental housing.
A spokesperson for the council explained: “It is an absolute priority that all residents in Salford live in safe and well-maintained homes. So we have taken action against landlords who are not meeting these conditions.”
They went on to say: “We introduced the licensing scheme to improve conditions for tenants and raise management standards. So far, it has been a success. Landlords who do not comply with conditions will receive a visit from our enforcement officers, and where necessary we will issue fines.”
The council made it clear that the work doesn’t stop here. “But the hard work does not stop here – we will continue to target landlords who fail to meet their obligations,” the spokesperson added.
At the same time, Salford Council is actively encouraging tenants to speak out if they have concerns about the condition or safety of their homes.
“I would like to thank all those residents who have reported concerns so we can maintain high standards in our city and not put landlord profit before tenant welfare,” said the council representative.
They also pointed out that the council’s aim isn’t purely punitive. “It is also important to note that the council is here to support landlords and agents in meeting their responsibilities,” they explained.
The spokesperson highlighted that council officers work closely with landlords and agents to help them understand and comply with the rules.
“It is only those who do not comply that we have to take action against,” the spokesperson emphasised, underlining that enforcement is seen as a last resort rather than a first step.
Salford’s licensing scheme was introduced with the intention of improving the quality of shared housing and holding landlords accountable.
Since its implementation, the scheme has played a role in improving living conditions, and it has also ensured that landlords can’t ignore serious hazards affecting tenants.
The council’s message is clear: it will continue to be proactive in protecting tenants and taking firm action where necessary.
By pushing for higher standards and encouraging tenants to raise concerns, Salford hopes to create safer and better-managed rental homes for everyone in the city.
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