Greater Manchester launches new programme to boost landlord compliance
A new initiative called Better Renting has been launched in Greater Manchester to help landlords meet their legal obligations amid ongoing rental sector reforms. The programme aims to improve understanding and compliance with licensing and safety requirements.
The Better Renting programme is being introduced in Greater Manchester to address widespread challenges landlords face in keeping up with evolving regulations. Research commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that over one in five landlords nationally struggle to stay current with policy changes affecting their rental properties. The initiative targets the region’s nearly 250,000 private rented households, offering practical tools and a dedicated website to support landlords in meeting their compliance duties.
Led by the Dispute Service (TDS) Group in partnership with the Nationwide Foundation, the programme aims to improve communication channels and resource accessibility for landlords. It will also support local authorities and stakeholders in working more effectively with landlords, particularly in implementing the Renters’ Rights Act and new licensing requirements.
Better Renting programme details and objectives
The Better Renting programme responds to findings from the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter, which identified a need to raise compliance rates among landlords in the region. The initiative will develop and trial resources designed to clarify landlord responsibilities, including mandatory licensing schemes and safety standards. A central feature is a new website providing a single point of access for landlords to obtain up-to-date guidance and tools to maintain compliance.
The programme also seeks to enhance collaboration between councils and landlords by offering resources that facilitate clearer communication and support for regulatory implementation. This is particularly relevant as the government enacts significant reforms to the private rented sector, such as ending no-fault evictions, establishing a new private rented sector database and ombudsman, and introducing stricter energy efficiency standards for rental properties.
Dr Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at the TDS Group, emphasised that most landlords want to comply but face barriers due to fragmented information and limited access to official resources. The Better Renting programme aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring landlords receive timely and practical support to meet their obligations during this period of sector transformation.
Context of compliance challenges in the private rented sector
Landlords across the UK have faced increasing regulatory complexity in recent years, with frequent changes to tenancy laws, safety requirements, and licensing rules. The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, alongside evolving energy efficiency targets, has added new layers of compliance that landlords must navigate. These changes have heightened the risk of unintentional non-compliance, which can lead to penalties and disrupt landlord-tenant relationships.
Greater Manchester’s private rented sector is substantial, housing almost a quarter of a million households. The scale of the sector means that improving compliance here could have significant benefits for tenant safety and housing standards. The region’s local authorities have previously worked to promote good landlord practices through charters and voluntary schemes, but gaps remain in ensuring all landlords are fully informed and compliant.
The Better Renting programme represents a coordinated effort to address these challenges by providing clear, accessible information and fostering better cooperation between landlords and regulatory bodies. It aligns with wider government objectives to professionalise the sector and protect tenants’ rights.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
For landlords managing one or several properties in Greater Manchester, the Better Renting programme offers a valuable resource to stay abreast of compliance requirements. The central website will provide a reliable source of current guidance on licensing, safety checks, deposit protection, and tenancy law changes. This can reduce the risk of missing critical obligations and facing enforcement action.
Letting agents operating in the area can also benefit from the programme’s resources by enhancing their advisory role to landlords. Improved understanding of regulatory expectations supports better client service and helps agents ensure their landlords’ portfolios meet legal standards. The initiative may also facilitate smoother communication with local authorities, particularly regarding licensing applications and compliance monitoring.
Landlords should consider regularly consulting the Better Renting website and participating in any training or information sessions offered through the programme. Keeping detailed records of compliance activities, inspections, and communications will remain essential. The programme’s development of practical tools could simplify these administrative tasks, making compliance more manageable for smaller landlords and those less familiar with regulatory changes.
Uncertainties and what to watch for
While the Better Renting programme promises improved support for landlords, details on the specific tools and resources to be developed remain limited at this stage. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how well it integrates with existing local authority processes and national regulatory frameworks.
Landlords should watch for updates on the programme’s rollout and any new compliance requirements introduced alongside the Renters’ Rights Act and energy efficiency regulations. The government’s plans for a private rented sector database and ombudsman may also influence landlord obligations and dispute resolution processes in the near future.
It remains unclear whether similar programmes will be adopted in other regions, but Greater Manchester’s approach could serve as a model for coordinated landlord support. Landlords outside the area should monitor developments and consider how improved compliance resources might be introduced locally.
What landlords should consider now
Landlords should review their current compliance status, particularly regarding licensing, safety certificates, and tenancy documentation. Engaging with the Better Renting programme’s resources as they become available will help ensure obligations are met consistently.
It is advisable to maintain clear records of all compliance-related activities and communications with tenants and authorities. Landlords should also stay informed about upcoming regulatory changes linked to the Renters’ Rights Act and government energy efficiency targets.
Letting agents should use the programme’s tools to support landlords in their portfolios, ensuring that advice and management practices align with the latest legal requirements. Both landlords and agents should be proactive in seeking guidance and training to reduce the risk of unintentional non-compliance.
Supporting landlords through compliance challenges
The Landlord Association (TLA) membership offers practical support for landlords and letting agents navigating compliance obligations. Members gain access to up-to-date compliance resources, including guidance on licensing, safety regulations, and tenancy law changes. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords organise property records, manage rental documentation, and keep track of key compliance actions.
ORBIT aims to centralise property management information, making it easier to maintain evidence of compliance activities such as inspections, repairs, and communications. This can be particularly useful in light of new obligations introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act and evolving energy efficiency standards. TLA membership also provides access to expert advice and resources that can assist landlords in preparing for regulatory changes and ensuring ongoing compliance.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can help landlords and agents in Greater Manchester and beyond stay informed and organised amid the sector’s evolving regulatory environment.
Looking ahead, the Better Renting programme’s success in Greater Manchester may encourage similar initiatives elsewhere, reinforcing the importance of accessible, practical compliance support for landlords across the UK.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association