Burnham ramps up mission to improve renters’ living standards 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is calling on renters and landlords to help shape a charter aimed at improving the quality of rented homes across the city region in the wake of the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died as a direct result of poor-quality accommodation. 

The Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter is aimed at clamping down on rogue landlords and ensuring the city region’s rented homes are up to scratch. 

“I’m clear that driving up the quality of rented housing is one of my key priorities,” GM Mayor Burnham said at the launch of the consultation on the charter. 

“This work has, in part, been driven by the devastating conclusions of the inquest that followed Awaab Ishak’s death. A two-year-old boy died because of the quality of his home, and we recognised this had to be the moment when things changed.” 

The charter sets out a vision of better renting, which meets the following characteristics:  

• 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 be helped to access extra support if they need it 
• Well managed – a landlord should be competent or use a competent managing agent. 

In addition, residents living in properties where the landlord refuses to engage with local bodies or the charter will be empowered with the right to request a Greater Manchester Property Check. 

This will be underpinned by stronger, multi-disciplinary inspection and enforcement capability to carry out the checks and issue notices where standards remain unacceptable, with investment of £3.5m to support local authorities to deliver this. 

Landlords who are found to not be maintaining their properties will then be given a chance to embark on an “improvement plan” with the GMCA.  

Those who do not could risk having their properties repossessed. 

Overall, the aim of the charter is to provide landlords with a framework to operate by and instil trust in the system among renters.  

A recent survey found that renters in Greater Manchester are disproportionately impacted by poor quality housing and that three in five renters have experienced an issue in their home over the past year, including damp and mould, poor home insulation, fear of losing their home and pest infestations. 

“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,” Burnham added. 

“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.  

“The truth is, when we get housing right, we also potentially save billions in public money currently spent dealing with the social crises that come from poor housing situations.” 

The Good Landlord Charter will leverage public funding and other key devolved powers in a similar way to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, launched in 2019. 

For example, when public bodies are involved in seeking rented homes – such as for use as temporary accommodation – they could require those bidding to sign up to the charter. 

The consultation on the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter is now open. Have your say.

David Mawson, chief executive at Placefirst, said the charter would “mark an important move towards a fairer, more accountable rental sector”.

“As a professional landlord committed to enhancing the living standards of our residents, Placefirst would fully support Mr Burnham in the introduction of a Good Landlord Charter,” he said.

“We believe that establishing clear standards and expectations for landlords is a crucial step towards resolving the housing crisis. It would not only benefit residents by ensuring safe, healthy living environments but also assist responsible landlords in distinguishing themselves from those not meeting these vital standards.”

He added: “Redefining the role and redeeming the reputation of landlords is something we have been passionate about achieving at Placefirst. We are proud to be a pioneer in ushering in this positive change, contributing to the wellbeing of wider communities and reinforcing our commitment to placemaking.”