HOUSING landlords are being warned to sign up to a new licensing scheme — or face a £20,000 fine.

Bolton Council launched the “selective licensing scheme” in parts of the Tonge with The Haulgh ward in November after being given the all-clear by the Government.

The legislation was drawn up to ensure that tenants are treated fairly by private landlords.

But the council says that only 82 of the 140-plus properties in the designated area have been signed up.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “It is vital that all landlords sign up to the scheme as soon as possible. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it will help tenants and landlords alike.”

The scheme was launched to make a positive impact on the housing market and help address problems with anti-social behaviour.

Further letters have been sent out to all landlords who have not submitted a licence application, giving them 14 days to respond.

To obtain a licence, a landlord must hold a gas safety certificate for the premises, ensure any provision of furniture complies with fire safety regulations, ensure electrical appliances are safe and provide a safety declaration if requested to do so.

They must also fit and maintain smoke alarms, issue tenants with a written tenancy agreement that includes terms and conditions regarding nuisance and anti-social behaviour, take steps to prevent or reduce anti-social behaviour, obtain references for prospective tenants and carry out repairs in a reasonable time.

Next month, the council says its housing and public health unit will be actively checking for unlicensed properties in the area and prosecuting landlords who flout the rules.

The maximum fine for operating an unlicensed property is £20,000.

For an application form, call 01204 338912 or email housingandpublichealth@bolton.gov.uk

Applications packs and full details of the boundary of the licensing area are also available on the council’s website — bolton.gov.uk — by searching for the term “selective licensing”.