New measures announced to tackle ‘rogue’ landlords across Greater Manchester

A cohort of trained enforcement officers are set to hit the streets in all 10 boroughs to help improve the lives of the region’s renters.

Forming part of Greater Manchester‘s commitment to the highest-quality housing standards alongside the Good Landlord Charter, the newly trained enforcement officers will be tasked with protecting tenants, joining Council teams in checking rental properties, bringing enforcement action against bad landlords, and cracking down on illegal practices.

The introduction of the new enforcement officers comes after what has been ‘years of sustained pressure’ on local budgets.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says it is working with the 10 councils across the region to strengthen local teams, rebuild in-house skills and expertise, and ensure that powers can be applied with consistency in all boroughs.

As mentioned, this all forms part of the Good Landlord Charter – which is GMCA’s ‘bold approach’ to drive up standards for renters across the region.

Landlords of more than half of rented properties in Greater Manchester have now signed up as supporters of the Charter, and as supporters, they have committed to going above and beyond legal minimums to improve the renting experience for hundreds of thousands of people.

“A safe place to call home is the cornerstone of a happy, healthy life,” explained Mayor Bev Craig. “But 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.”

Read more:

• Law requiring landlords to repair hazards within 24 hours comes into effect
• ‘Landmark’ social housing bill named in tribute to Rochdale toddler Awaab Ishak becomes law
• Failing landlords could be hit with ‘Ofsted-style’ inspections and unlimited fines

Mayor Bev Craig declared that she ‘won’t stand by and let rogue landlords take advantage of people’.

She continued: “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.”

Featured Image – Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)