Bolton Council has admitted that a new licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) landlords, scheduled for early next year, could lead to increased costs for tenants. The council plans to make it a legal requirement for nearly all HMOs in Bolton to hold a licence.
The council stated that the £1,211 cost for the five-year licence might be passed on to tenants through higher rents. However, a press release from the council suggests that the long-term benefits, such as improved housing quality and safer neighbourhoods, will outweigh any short-term costs for landlords and tenants.
Councillor Sean Fielding, executive member for Adults and Community Housing Services at Bolton Council, highlighted that while most landlords are responsible, some "flout the law, cut costs to maximise profits, and put people’s lives at risk." He added that the new licensing will help address issues like failing to obtain safety certificates and overcrowding.
Bolton Council has received over 1,000 complaints about disrepair in rented homes over the past three years, often concerning fire safety, damp, cold, and overcrowding. HMO landlords who do not join the licensing scheme risk a £40,000 fine.