Proposals for a ‘good landlord’ scheme in Greater Manchester have won the personal backing of the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association. 

Ben Beadle says the scheme is to be welcomed as an opportunity to distinguish the vast majority of responsible landlords from the criminal and rogue minority who bring the sector into disrepute.

Writing a guest column in the Big Issue, Beadle says the scheme – the brainchild of Labour Mayor Andy Burnham – must be backed up by policies to support and encourage responsible landlords to supply high quality homes.

Beadle cites figures showing high proportions of private and social renters being satisfied with their accommodation but adds: “Despite this, we must not ignore the minority of landlords who are failing to do the right thing. Not only do they cause misery for their tenants, they damage the reputation of the majority of landlords who provide decent housing. 

“That is why we need to find ways to make it easier for tenants to distinguish between responsible landlords and those who should be kicked out of the sector for good.”

He says Burnham’s idea is “a step in the right direction” but insists practical support must be put in place to support those landlords with the work required to meet their obligations.

Beadle writes: “Take energy efficiency for example. At present the law states that, unless a registered exemption is made, all private rented properties should have an energy efficiency rating of at least an ‘E’. 

“Under the Good Landlord Charter properties would need to have an energy rating of at least a ‘C’ which will require significant planning and investment. What is needed is a route map to help responsible landlords achieve this aim.

“Around a third of all private rented homes were built prior to 1919, a higher proportion than in the owner occupied and social rented sectors. Homes of this age are among the oldest stock in the country and are therefore the hardest and most expensive properties to improve.”

Burnham’s Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter has many controversial ideas including giving all renters the right to request a property check, boosting  inspection and enforcement capability, and greater accountability of landlords to tenants. 

Beadle’s article concludes: “Andy Burnham is right to want to back responsible landlords and root out the rogues and criminals. However, it is vital that the rhetoric is backed up by policies to make this a reality. We stand ready to work with him to develop such plans.”