The UK’s first Good Landlord Charter unveiled in Greater Manchester

A consultation on a new scheme to raise the quality of rented homes in Greater Manchester has been unveiled by the Mayor Andy Burnham.

The Good Landlord Charter is the UK’s first initiative of its kind, bringing together landlords and tenants to agree on a set of standards for social housing and the private rented sector.

The charter aims to develop and recognise best practices, provide a voluntary standard for landlord excellence, and boost tenant confidence in the quality of good rental properties.

It outlines a vision of better renting, which meets seven characteristics: affordable, inclusive, private and secure, responsive, safe and decent, supportive, and well-managed.

‘Calling on all renters and landlords to get involved’

Mr Burnham said: “I’m calling on all renters and landlords in Greater Manchester to get involved in this consultation.

“I believe this charter will be good for tenants who currently have no way of knowing whether a landlord is decent or not; and good for the many landlords doing the right thing and struggling to differentiate themselves from the disreputable end of the market.”

He added: “The truth is, when we get housing right, we also potentially save billions in public money currently spent dealing with the social crises that come from poor housing situations.”

‘Supporting the provision of high quality homes’

The National Residential Landlords Association’s director of policy and campaigns, Chris Norris, said: “The NRLA is committed to supporting the provision of high-quality homes.

“A positive working relationship between households and their landlord is both mutually beneficial and essential for sustaining a healthy private rented sector.”

He added: “As consultation begins on the Good Landlord Charter in Greater Manchester, we are keen to provide the perspective of residential landlords and do our part to ensure that the development of any new system works to support landlords as well as tenants.

“Working together with local government as well as other stakeholders will ensure that Greater Manchester’s rental system thrives.”

Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Charter

The scheme is modelled on Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Charter which was launched in 2019 and has engaged with more than a thousand employers and boost legal minimum employment offers.

The Good Landlord Charter will now use public funding and devolved powers in a similar way so when public bodies are involved in seeking rented homes, to use as temporary accommodation, for example, they could require those bidding to sign up to the charter.

Research for the Charter found that more than three-quarters of private tenants say accreditation would make a difference to their likelihood of renting from a particular landlord.

Three-quarters of private tenants experienced a maintenance issue

The survey also revealed that three-quarters of private tenants experienced a maintenance issue in their property within the last year, including two in five that have experienced damp and mould and nearly one in three with a broken boiler or heating.

When maintenance problems have been experienced, two in five private tenants have been left dissatisfied with the outcome.

Residents living in properties where the landlord refuses to engage with local bodies or the charter will be empowered with the right to request a Greater Manchester Property Check, which will assess the condition of their home and provide advice and support.

‘Driving up the quality of rented housing’

Mr Burham said: “I’m clear that driving up the quality of rented housing is one of my key priorities.

“We know your home has a huge impact on so many aspects of life, from your physical and mental health to your safety and security.”

He added: “This work has, in part, been driven by the devastating conclusions of the inquest that followed Awaab Ishak’s death.

“A two-year-old boy died because of the quality of his home, and we recognised this had to be the moment when things changed.”

‘Drive up standards in all forms of housing’

The chair of Rochdale Branch, Greater Manchester Tenants Union, Mark Slater, said: “The Good Landlord Charter can be one of the tools we use in Greater Manchester to drive up standards in all forms of housing.

“Starting with the principle that charter members must go further than their legal requirements to be considered, this can help those landlords who provide a good service and quality homes to distinguish themselves from the many careless and rogue private landlords.”

He added: “The scope of the charter has been expanded to ensure housing associations, councils and temporary and specialist accommodation providers deliver appropriate standards in their homes, prompted by the preventable death of Awaab Ishak.

“We need to get serious about tackling the housing crisis, and ensuring tenants can live in decent, safe secure homes they can afford, and are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who their landlord is, and what type of home they live in.”

The consultation on the Good Landlord Charter will run until March 31, and documents are available to download.

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