Greater Manchester is pioneering a novel initiative to address substandard rented housing and crack down on rogue landlords with its new Property Check scheme. This trailblazing program, the first of its kind in the UK, is part of a £600,000 effort to enhance rental housing, ensuring it benefits residents rather than causing harm.
The Property Check scheme, potentially involving inspections by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, aims to assist tenants concerned about the condition of their rented homes. Properties failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard will prompt enforcement actions against landlords.
“Everyone Deserves a Good, Safe and Secure Home”
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized the necessity of safe and secure housing as fundamental to a good life, free from health risks and anxiety. “Sadly, too many people in Greater Manchester still find themselves in those situations, trapped in poorly maintained properties and in fear of unlawful eviction,” Burnham stated. He declared that the era of unscrupulous landlords renting out unsafe and unfit homes is nearing its end.
Burnham added, “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.”
Addressing Rental Homes Falling Short of Standards
At the scheme’s launch, Burnham highlighted the startling statistics: nearly a quarter of private rented homes, approximately 56,000 properties, fall short of the Decent Homes Standard. This figure could be as high as 40% due to tenants’ fears of eviction, which often prevent complaints.
Common issues such as damp, faulty electrics, and leaky roofs are frequent grievances among renters. The Property Check scheme targets uncooperative landlords and aims to assist tenants feeling trapped in substandard housing.
Later this year, the Good Landlord Charter will be introduced, setting accessible and clear standards for both social and private rented housing.
Support for Tenants in Greater Manchester
Burnham also revealed that with the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill, Greater Manchester will bolster support for tenants. The Bill will impose a new duty on local authorities to tackle unlawful evictions and tenant harassment. Greater Manchester will invest £300,000 to establish teams of housing law experts to provide advocacy and support to renters.
Furthermore, once the Bill becomes law, it will be illegal for landlords to rent out properties that fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard. Landlords receiving rent payments through housing benefits will be scrutinized, with measures to reclaim housing benefits from those providing substandard homes.
This ambitious initiative marks a significant step towards transforming Greater Manchester into a region where safe, secure, and quality housing is the norm for all residents.