Good Landlord Charter – What makes a good landlord?
Greater Manchester Combined Authority are developing a new charter designed to drive up standards in rented homes across Greater Manchester. The scheme seeks to improve standards in the city-region for both social housing and privately-rented accommodation. The Good Landlord Charter is asking both landlords and tenants to share their experiences to help shape future improvements.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“I’m clear that driving up the quality of rented housing is one of my key priorities. We know your home has a huge impact on so many aspects of life, from your physical and mental health, to your safety and security.
“Today, I’m calling on all renters and landlords in Greater Manchester to get involved in this consultation. I believe this charter will be good for tenants who currently have no way of knowing whether a landlord is decent or not; and good for the many landlords doing the right thing and struggling to differentiate themselves from the disreputable end of the market.”
Landlords are invited to participate voluntarily. To become a member, a landlord would need to show that they are currently meeting the legal minimum standards of renting. As a member of The Charter, Johnnie Johnson Housing is committing to higher standards than the currently required by the law. These higher standards would initially be twenty specific commitments that help make renting more:
- Affordable – a tenant should understand how their rent and other charges are set and should not be ripped-off.
- Inclusive – a tenant should not have a worse renting experience because of who they are.
- Private and secure – a tenant should be reasonably free to enjoy their home and make it their own.
- Responsive – a landlord should respond satisfactorily to requests for repairs, correspondence and complaints.
- Safe and decent – a tenant should be able to live free from physical or psychological discomfort in their home.
- Supportive – a tenant should have essential information about renting their home and get help to access extra support if they need it.
- Well managed – a landlord should be competent or use a competent managing agent.
How you can get involved
The Good Landlord Charter wants to understand from the people rented accommodation impacts, what their priorities are for a safe and decent home. Share your views on the proposals for a Good Landlord Charter by completing this survey by 26 February 2024.
If you need to respond in a different way, or require the consultation materials in a different format, please contact goodlandlordcharter@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk. Support for non-English speakers is also available on 0161 244 1000.
Useful links:
Good Landlord Charter – Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Citizen Space (gmconsult.org)