Greater Manchester has called time on rogue landlords by launching a tough new crackdown across the city’s private rental sector.

Mayor Andy Burnham (main image) announced plans to “rewire the rental system” as part of a £600,000 package of measures which includes a new Property Check scheme for tenants whose landlords won’t work with the council voluntarily, giving them the right to request a property check, followed up with enforcement action.

Greater Manchester is starting a pilot with Salford City Council and central government to explore how property checks can be used effectively and proactively and help identify properties that fall short of the Decent Homes Standard. The mayor will ask the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to support the delivery of these checks as part of its regular work.

Experts

The authority is setting up a new team of housing law experts who will work to advise tenants and identify chances to intervene when people are at risk of harassment and illegal eviction.

It is also launching a new pilot with Oldham Council exploring how it, central government and local councils can work together to claim back housing benefit from landlords letting out substandard homes.

Meanwhile, the Good Landlord Charter - due for roll-out later this year - will work with landlords willing to co-operate with the council across social and private rented sectors by setting out clear, practical, and accessible standards to drive up the quality of renting.

Burnham, who won a thumping victory in the recent elections, says the days of bad landlords renting out unsafe and unfit homes are coming to an end.

He adds: “This new right to a property check for all residents, backed up with new measures to protect renters and take action against rogue landlords, will empower people across Greater Manchester and put us on course to become the UK’s only Housing First city-region.”