Greater Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham announced Greater Manchester’s Good Landlord Charter, inviting landlords to join for better rental standards.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed he is ready to undertake Greater Manchester’s Good Landlord Charter, with landlords now capable to report interest in the scheme. The Charter is an arrangement of accreditation, which will witness landlords sign up to keep certain standards in their rentals.
What are the core standards of the Good Landlord Charter?
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has outlined what it states are the seven core tenets of good renting: Affordable – residents should understand how their rent and other costs are set and should not be soaked; Safe and decent – tenants should be capable to live free from physical or psychological distress in their home; Responsive – landlords should react satisfactorily to requests for repairs, correspondence and complaints; Well organised– landlords or handling agents should be competent; Inclusive – no tenant should have a worse experience because of who they are; Private and secure – citizens should be free to relish their home and make it their own; Supportive – tenants should have fundamental information and extra support if required
Why does the NRLA support the Charter despite challenges?
The NRLA, which has its accreditation procedure for landlords, has supported the principle of the scheme – to increase standards in the PRS – however, it identifies some landlords will need support when it comes to driving improvements, particularly those with more ageing belongings that are the most challenging to elevate when it comes to energy efficiency standards, for example.
The association also called for adequate enforcement to root out the rogue landlords giving the sector a bad name, with recent analysis from the NRLA conducting levels of enforcement altering hugely depending on where you live, with good, targeted enforcement aiding landlords and tenants.
What does Mayor Andy Burnham propose with the ‘Property Check’?
Burnham has stated that enforcement capacity will be increased in the Greater Manchester area, with all renters given the right to a ‘Property Check’. While there is little particular at present as to what this will entail, he has stated it will be carried out by ‘local expert teams and followed up by action if necessary’.
Making the announcement he stated: “The Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter will put power back into the hands of renters, along with developing a new right to a Property Check, while supporting and recognising the landlords who go above and beyond.”
The GMCA has expressed landlords who register early will be entitled to have their say on how the Charter is executed and help develop the support shown to landlords and the process of assessment. It also intends to explore options as to possible incentives for landlords who sign up for the scheme.