Greater Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham has assured he doesn’t want landlords to leave the market.
While MPs during the recent discussion on the Renters’ Rights Bill talked about the “unjust” PRS with some stating it would be a good thing if small landlords were pushed out, Burnham told the NRLA’s recent Landlord Conference in Birmingham (main image) that he desires to work with landlords to ensure regulation of Manchester’s rental market is as appropriate and effective as possible.
How does Andy Burnham view Manchester’s rental market needs?
Burnham formed his belief that “housing is the single best asset that the UK can make, due to its social and economic benefits” and voiced his belief that we need a “mixed market” with a range of available housing.
What does Burnham’s “housing first” approach entail?
Describing how the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has embraced a “housing first” approach to the issue, Burnham stated its Good Landlord Charter which aims to enshrine best practices in Manchester’s PRS can help create trust over the long term between the GMCA and the more comprehensive landlord community around standards.
He also mentioned how, in addition to “isolating” bad landlords, the Charter can deliver recognition for good landlords who present best practices, but whose work often goes unnoticed.
What is the NRLA’s response to Burnham’s commitment?
Moreover, NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle states: “Andy Burnham’s pledge to cooperate with the NRLA and its members to increase standards and drive out rogue landlords from the sector was most welcome. We look forward to operating with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in its efforts to determine the good work that the overwhelming majority of landlords do across the market.”