Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says he is “pro-actively supporting landlords” to improve energy efficiency.

His comments come with his announcement that supporters of his so-called Good Landlord Charter willbe able to access grants of up to £30,000 through the Warm Homes: Local Grant programme.

This must be used to improve the energy efficiency of their property and install low-carbon heating systems in Greater Manchester.

An ebullient statement from the Mayor’s office says: “Greater Manchester’s bold approach balances recognising good landlords with taking enforcement action against negligent ones. 

“Enforcement efforts have recently stepped up, with a 43% rise in fines, totalling £1.47m, reinvested directly into protecting tenants from unsafe or poor-quality housing.”

And Burnham himself continues: “We are proactively supporting landlords to make improvements and incentivising them to take responsibility for their properties – and the warmth and safety of their tenants.  

“We are using our trailblazing devolution deal to pioneer a new model for good growth. 

“By linking public funding with responsible, ethical behaviours, 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.

“Greater Manchester’s message is clear: We will work with and support responsible landlords who want to do the right thing, and we will take firm action against those who don’t.”

Warm Homes: Local Grant

Through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the government is supporting landlords to “enhance the comfort, health, and wellbeing of low-income tenants by providing essential support for heating and insulation improvements, making warm, energy-efficient homes more achievable for everyone.”

Rented properties could also be eligible for low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, which could be paired with solar panels.

The Good Landlord Charter

The Good Landlord Charter, launched in June 2025 to recognise and champion responsible landlords, has attracted interest from more than 180 social and private landlords, covering over 250,000 homes (half of all rented homes in Greater Manchester). 

Over 100 landlords have taken the first step to full Membership of the Charter by demonstrating their legal compliance. 

The Charter is supporting these landlords with free training, advice, and guidance to raise renting standards.

Tom Fisher, head of the Good Landlord Charter Implementation Unit, says: “With the Renters Rights Act and new EPC rules coming in, it’s a crucial time for landlords to stay on top of changes to provide good homes. 

“Landlords registered with the Charter have access to expert advice, support, and guidance to raise renting standards and be recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s Good Landlords.

“All residential landlords operating in Greater Manchester are encouraged to join the Charter for free today.”