Greater Manchester’s beefed-up enforcement of the private rental sector has seen some £1.47m in fines imposed on landlords over the past two years.

Since 2023 Greater Manchester Labour Mayor Andy Burnham has recruited additional enforcement officers in the individual local authorities making up the region, and piloted a Property Check system for private renters in some circumstances to request a check, carried out by local teams, and followed up by enforcement action where necessary.  

This had led to the surge in enforcement fines.

Meanwhile Burnham has also introduced the Good Landlord Charter, which he describes as “ground breaking” and “raising the quality of homes for tenants as part of a wider effort to rebuild, rewire and restore Greater Manchester’s housing system.”

Over 100 social and private landlords have registered as Supporters of the Charter, covering more than 234,000 homes – that’s 50% of households that rent in the city-region. The scheme wants landlords from the private and social sectors to commit to standards which exceed the minimum demanded by the law, and intends to help tenants recognise and identify landlords who are committed to higher standards. 

The initiative has been backed by both the National Residential Landlords Association and the letting agents’ trade body, Propertymark.

A statement from Burnham’s office says: “The Good Landlord Charter will help to set a new standard in renting, supporting landlords to go above and beyond the minimum national standards to provide the very best rental experience for tenants. It also aims to shine a light on those landlords who don’t look after the homes and tenants that they are responsible for.

“It is the first voluntary scheme of its kind across the UK, bringing together leading social housing providers and a growing number of private landlords who have committed to raising standards beyond the legal requirements.

“Since 2024, Greater Manchester has led a crackdown on negligent landlords, increasing the number of enforcement fines for housing offences by 43%, totalling £1.47 million. This is being reinvested into local housing enforcement teams, helping to protect tenants against negligent landlords and poor housing.”

Burnham himself adds: “We are entering a new era for renting in Greater Manchester. We’re making it clear that renting out sub-standard properties, which damage the health of our residents, will no longer be tolerated. This city-region is getting serious about driving up housing standards and delivering on the promise of a good home for everyone.

“We know there are many good landlords out there and the Charter will give them the recognition they deserve. It will also help isolate those who require further attention from our enforcement teams. The £1.47 million of civil penalties our local authorities have issued in the last two years show we’re holding the most negligent landlords to account.

“Together, we’re leading the way in how to build a fairer, stronger housing system and blazing a trail for the rest of the country to follow.”