What it means to be a Good Landlord Charter Member - Private Landlords

What does it means to be a Good Landlord Charter Member?

We have now finalised the Good Landlord Charter Private Rented Sector Membership Assessment Framework. This is a major milestone for the Charter, and sets out exactly what private landlords must evidence in writing and demonstrate in practice to be recognised as a Good Landlord Charter Member. It means landlords can now begin to move forward from Supporters to full Members of the Charter, and we have created an Assessment Framework Guide that details the requirements and points landlords to the support they can access.  

The Development Process  

The Charter was developed through significant engagement and consultation with stakeholders and the public. The Implementation Unit was established in November 2024 to develop this assessment framework in partnership with wider stakeholders and the Governing Board and signed off by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. 

The criteria for membership have been set deliberately high; the Charter is not about minimum standards; it is about recognising that Good Landlords will deliver housing and services which are above the legal minimum. Membership with the Charter strengthens tenant protections and improves the overall quality of the renting experience for both landlords and tenants. It provides recognition to landlords who go above and beyond for their tenants.  

We have spent the last year developing the criteria further by gathering the aims and ambitions of partners, tenants, and landlords. The landlords who have signed up have been evidencing their legal compliance through our assessment process of collecting and verifying safety certificates for each property. 

There will be additional Assessment Frameworks for other landlords, specifically within the Social Housing, Supported, Temporary (not hotels and B&Bs), and Student sector. We are currently working to finalise these, co-designing with partners, tenants, and landlords.  

What does this mean for Tenants?

This significant milestone means we are now working with landlords to demonstrate their compliance with the criteria, which has the overall aim of improving the rental experience for tenants. All tenant/s of our Supporter Landlords will be notified by their landlords that they are now a Good Landlord Charter Supporter working towards Membership. This will include what level of service and support tenant/s will receive from their landlords, how to complain if this service is not happening and what other support the Implementation Unit will be offering tenants. Our support to tenants includes promotion of My Housing Issue Gateway, assisting with any complaints, alongside resources for advice, support, and guidance on issues affecting them.

What’s Next for Landlords?   

With the Assessment Framework in place, we are now working closely with Supporter landlords to demonstrate their compliance with the criteria. Supporters and Members get access to exclusive benefits to improve rental standards. They will also have access to events, network groups, training, discounts and other resources. Our Path to Membership is our 7-step process for landlords: 

1. Register  

• Commitment to the principles of the Charter 

• Agreement to work with the Implementation Unit 

• Evidence of their Legal Compliance 

2. Unlock Benefits  

• Supporter Logo 

• Free accredited training 

• Eligibility to apply for GMCA’s Retrofit Grants  

3. Self-Assessment

• Landlords complete a self-assessment against each of the criteria to help shape their individual action plan  

4. Meet your Advisor  

• Each landlord is allocated an advisor from our Membership and Quality team to create an action plan to achieve Membership  

5. Develop  

• Assessment Framework workshops in person or online 

• Criteria e-learning to learn at your own pace 

• Criteria Networking events to hear from experts and get a broader perspective on the Charter 

6. Portfolio  

• Portfolio of evidence against each of the criteria is collated by the Membership and Quality team.

7. Submit  

• The Implementation Unit makes a recommendation for which landlords should be given Membership based on their portfolio of evidence  

Landlords will be subject to ongoing reviews of practice, with formal 6-monthly full reviews of Membership, including tenant surveys and assessment of paperwork. All landlords are subject to terms and conditions detailing the responsibilities, expectations, and accountability framework for all Supporters and Members.  

The Charter criteria feature many aspects of the incoming obligations for landlords under the Renters’ Rights Act, including alignment with Decent Homes Standard, Awaab’s Law, and membership with an independent complaints agency. Compliance with our criteria will enable landlords to be better prepared. 

Want to be Involved? 

Everyone in Greater Manchester plays a part in the success of the Good Landlord Charter. Wondering how you can make a difference for the places we live?  We’ve got a few ways to get involved:  

• All residential Landlords can become Supporters  

• Letting agents can become Champions  

• Wider organisations can become Friends  

• Tenants can find Good Landlord Supporters and get advice and support  

By working together, landlords, tenants, and local partners can ensure that every rented home in Greater Manchester is safe, decent, and well-managed. The Charter exists to make that possible, by recognising landlords who go above and beyond, and by supporting those who want to get there. We have even more planned for our landlords, Champions, Friends and tenants in 2026.