A Salford landlord who failed to obtain a licence for a property he rented in Highfield Road, Langworthy, was faced with a bill for £627.83 after appearing before Salford magistrates on Tuesday 7 July.
Adrian Petticrew, of Lentworth Drive, Worsley, pleaded guilty to failing to sign up to Salford Council's Selective Licensing Scheme, which operates in the Langworthy regeneration area.
The scheme was introduced two years ago to secure improved standards of property management and to tackle problems of low demand and anti social behaviour in the locality.
Licences are granted only if landlords provide information about their management arrangements and pass a "fit and proper" person test.
Mr Petticrew was fined £210 and ordered to pay costs totalling £417.83. The court heard that the council sent him a licence application form in July 2007 and issued several reminders when he failed to reply.
He later claimed he could not afford a licence whilst investing in improvements to the property. In court he said he disagreed with the scheme and thought it was "another tax" but now realised it was a legal requirement.
Councillor Peter Connor, lead member for housing, said: "We wish to support all landlords through the licensing scheme so that we can raise standards in the private sector. But we will continue to prosecute those who fail to take it seriously or just ignore it."
More information on landlord licensing in Salford.
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