A new move to make landlords more compliant is being introduced in Manchester.

It comes after research for the TDS Charitable Foundation found that difficulties keeping up to date with changes to policy and regulation is a key driver of landlords across Greater Manchester struggling to comply with their obligations.  

Nationally, over a fifth (21 per cent) of landlords feel that it is difficult to keep up with changes to the laws and regulations that affect their rental properties. MPs on the cross-party Housing Select Committee have also highlighted the importance of addressing unintentional non-compliance by landlords.

With almost 250,000 households across Greater Manchester in the private rented sector, the Better Renting programme being launched today will develop practical tools to drive up landlord compliance with their obligations, benefitting renters and landlords alike.

Alongside a new website providing a single point for landlords in Greater Manchester to remain compliant, the programme will develop and test initiatives to improve understanding of landlord responsibilities, including licensing requirements. It will also develop resources to help councils and other stakeholders work and communicate effectively with landlords, supporting implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and helping tenants benefit from more consistent landlord compliance.

The foundation says it comes at a pivotal moment for the private rented sector as the Government implements the biggest set of reforms to the sector for a generation, including ending no fault repossessions, developing a new private rented sector database and ombudsman, and introducing new energy efficient standards for rented housing.

The project is being led by the Dispute Service (TDS) Group and the Nationwide Foundation and follows the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter identifying a need for steps to improve compliance rates among landlords.

The TDS Group is the leading tenancy deposit and dispute resolution provider and works to raise standards across the private rented sector. The Nationwide Foundation invests in projects, partnerships and people to support good housing now and for the future.

Dr Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at The Dispute Service Group, says: “The vast majority of landlords want to do what is right for their tenants and remain compliant with all their obligations. However, our research shows that fragmented channels of communication and difficulties accessing official resources are making this harder than it should.

“Working with partners across the region, Better Renting will develop the resources needed to ensure landlords across Greater Manchester have what they need, when they need it, to meet their obligations at a pivotal moment for the sector.”