Local Knowledge - Manchester

Are you a landlord or agent in Manchester? If so you need to read and reply to Manchester City Council's survey on licencing. To quote: "If we feel that areas of Manchester have difficulty attracting or keeping tenants, or there are problems with anti-social behaviour, we can make all private landlords there apply for a selective licence. If they refuse to apply for a licence we can prosecute them.

We want your views on whether we should do this in your area."

Who said thin end of the wedge?

Link: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/housing/privatesector/licensing/surveyindex.htm

I don't see why landlords should have to apply for a licence? Seems that they are being penalised for owning property in the crap areas.

Surely they should promote landlords in these areas if the residents are unable to buy their own home.

I think all credit to the landlords that take on grubby areas, as they are not easy investments to maintain - or sell on.

New investors traditionally take on smart new properties as they don't want to get their hands dirty. Thank god there are some hardcore landlords who DO actually take on a challenge.

The yields can be higher as the properties are much lower value, although problems with arears etc, mean that these are still very tough investments.

Good on you toughies! Mark