Since 2023, Labour Mayor Andy Burnham has bolstered local authority teams by appointing additional enforcement officers across the region. He also introduced a pilot Property Check scheme, allowing private renters in specific cases to request property inspections from local teams—often leading to subsequent enforcement action.
These initiatives have driven a significant increase in fines.
In addition Burnham has launched the Good Landlord Charter, which he states as being; “ground breaking” as “raising the quality of homes for tenants as part of a wider effort to rebuild, rewire and restore Greater Manchester’s housing system.”
More than 100 social and private landlords have signed up as Supporters of the Good Landlord Charter, collectively representing over 234,000 homes—equivalent to half of all rented households across the city-region. The initiative encourages landlords in both sectors to commit to standards that go beyond the legal minimum, aiming to help tenants identify those who are dedicated to providing higher-quality housing and responsible management.
The Charter has received strong endorsements from Industry Associations for landlords and letting agents.
Burnham’s office says: “The Good Landlord Charter will help to set a new standard in renting, supporting landlords to go above and beyond the minimum national standards to provide the very best rental experience for tenants. It also aims to shine a light on those landlords who don’t look after the homes and tenants that they are responsible for.
“It is the first voluntary scheme of its kind across the UK, bringing together leading social housing providers and a growing number of private landlords who have committed to raising standards beyond the legal requirements.
“Since 2024, Greater Manchester has led a crackdown on negligent landlords, increasing the number of enforcement fines for housing offences by 43%, totalling £1.47 million. This is being reinvested into local housing enforcement teams, helping to protect tenants against negligent landlords and poor housing.”
Burnham adds: “We are entering a new era for renting in Greater Manchester. We’re making it clear that renting out sub-standard properties, which damage the health of our residents, will no longer be tolerated. This city-region is getting serious about driving up housing standards and delivering on the promise of a good home for everyone.
“We know there are many good landlords out there and the Charter will give them the recognition they deserve. It will also help isolate those who require further attention from our enforcement teams. The £1.47 million of civil penalties our local authorities have issued in the last two years show we’re holding the most negligent landlords to account.
“Together, 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.”