Labour Mayor’s ‘higher rental standards’ charter backed by agents

Propertymark has pledged its support for the Good Landlord Charter initiated by Labour Mayor Andy Burnham but has urged for greater involvement from letting agents. 

A Good Landlords Charter is being drawn up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which would be a voluntary programme for every type of landlord. 

A landlord would need to demonstrate that they are currently hitting the legal minimum standards of renting to become a member and, with help, abide by higher standards than they currently have to by law. The wishes of both tenants and landlords regarding a safe and adequate home are being considered by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.  

A statement from the trade body says: “The intentions behind the Charter have been embraced by Propertymark. However, because there are approximately 19,000 letting agents in England, with 46 per cent of landlords using an agent for letting services and 18 per cent using an agent for management services, the professional body believes that letting agents should have a more substantial part and be considered for membership of the Charter.”  

Propertymark has also welcomed charter members embracing a transparent system of rent setting where tenants can make representations on the fairness and the appropriateness of the level of rent set.  

However, it also wants the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to raise awareness of grant funding opportunities like the Disabled Facility Grant for landlords and property agents, to help disabled tenants access their homes.  

Tim Thomas, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark, says: ““Propertymark supports this initiative, but it is vital that letting agents are more involved. They play a crucial role in helping landlords to comprehend and comply with their legal obligations and ensuring that properties are safe to rent alongside assisting tenants with finding an appropriate property to rent. 

“Agents also have a more public face than landlords and there is a lot they can do to demonstrate that they are members of the Good Landlords Charter. For example, they can display stickers on their windows proving that they are members or promote their membership on social media.”