Andy Burnham’s successor as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has welcomed 22 new enforcement officers clamping down on private landlords.

She has told the new recruits that their priorities should be enforcing the Renters Rights Act and taking action against bad landlords.

A statement from the council says: “Our new generation of enforcement officers will help deliver on Bev’s commitment to protecting tenants, joining council teams checking rental properties, bringing enforcement action against bad landlords and cracking down on illegal practices.

“They follow in the footsteps of thirteen recently graduated trainees, who are all now employed in housing enforcement.

“These new housing experts are the latest to enter a scheme launched in 2023 to boost local enforcement capacity.”

Craig herself comments: “For years, people have felt trapped in poor-quality housing, and cash-strapped councils were unable to step in to help.

“I’m putting an end to that.

“We know there are plenty of good landlords in Greater Manchester, and many of them have already signed up to our Good Landlord Charter. But too many are just not good enough.

“That’s why we’re deploying a new generation of expert housing officers onto the streets of our towns and cities. With the Renters Rights Act now offering stronger protections for tenants, we’re giving councils the resources they need to enforce the law, uphold standards, and take action against rogue operators who are happy to let properties fall into disrepair.”

Craig says she now wants to go further and strengthen the Good Landlord Charter which Burnham introduced before quitting the Mayor’s post to become an MP.

“I won’t stand by and let rogue landlords take advantage of people. By empowering renters, working with responsible landlords, and using our powers to crack down on the bad ones, I will make sure everyone in Greater Manchester has the foundation for a good life” she adds.