Labour candidate pledges rent controls and HMO clampdown in Greater Manchester
Bev Craig, Labour’s candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, promises new rent control measures, expanded HMO restrictions and a renters’ rights enforcement unit if elected in the upcoming by-election.
Bev Craig is campaigning to introduce a range of measures aimed at tightening regulation of the private rented sector across Greater Manchester. The by-election follows Andy Burnham’s move to become an MP and Prime Minister, leaving the mayoral post vacant. Craig’s manifesto includes plans to limit Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in areas deemed to have excessive numbers and to expand the use of Article 4 Directions, which require landlords to obtain council planning permission before converting properties into HMOs.
She also pledges to establish a Greater Manchester-wide Renters Rights Unit tasked with supporting tenants, enforcing the Renters Rights Act and taking action against landlords who fail to meet their obligations. Craig intends to strengthen the existing Good Landlord Charter, introduced under Burnham’s tenure, by making it a condition for landlords to sign up if they wish to access local funding for initiatives such as property retrofitting.
Details of the proposed rental sector reforms
Craig’s manifesto sets out a number of specific initiatives targeting the private rental market. The proposed restrictions on HMOs would involve identifying areas with “too many” such properties and imposing tighter controls through planning regulations. Article 4 Directions, which remove permitted development rights for HMO conversions, would be used more extensively to require landlords to seek council approval.
The creation of a Renters Rights Unit would provide a dedicated body to enforce tenant protections under the Renters Rights Act, which has been a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving standards and security for renters. This unit would also be empowered to take action against landlords deemed “bad” due to non-compliance or poor management.
Craig’s commitment to the Good Landlord Charter involves making participation mandatory for landlords seeking local government funding for activities like retrofitting homes to improve energy efficiency. This move would effectively link financial incentives to compliance with quality and management standards.
Additionally, Craig proposes a special commission on Affordable Rents to examine rent levels and affordability across Greater Manchester. While acknowledging that the mayoral role currently lacks the power to enforce private rent controls, she pledges to campaign for devolved powers to introduce such controls if elected. In the meantime, she plans to establish a Commission on Rents to explore potential rent limits, caps or controls tailored to the region.
Context of the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election and housing policy
The by-election is taking place across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester following Andy Burnham’s departure to national politics. Housing has become a central issue in the campaign, reflecting ongoing concerns about affordability, quality and availability in the private rented sector.
Greater Manchester has seen a growing number of HMOs in certain neighbourhoods, leading to community pressures and local government interest in curbing their proliferation. Article 4 Directions have been used in some areas to restrict further HMO conversions, but Craig’s manifesto signals an intention to broaden and intensify these controls.
The Renters Rights Act, which the proposed Renters Rights Unit would enforce, represents a significant development in tenant protection legislation, aiming to improve security and standards in the private rented sector. However, enforcement challenges remain, and a dedicated unit could enhance the effectiveness of these provisions.
Implications for landlords and letting agents in Greater Manchester
If elected, Craig’s proposals would introduce new regulatory burdens for landlords, particularly those operating HMOs or seeking local funding for property improvements. The expansion of Article 4 Directions would require landlords to seek planning consent more frequently, potentially slowing down property conversions and increasing compliance costs.
The mandatory Good Landlord Charter for landlords accessing funding would incentivise adherence to higher standards but could also impose additional administrative requirements. The establishment of a Renters Rights Unit focused on enforcement may lead to increased scrutiny and more frequent inspections or interventions for landlords deemed non-compliant.
For letting agents, these changes could mean adapting to tighter planning controls and supporting landlords in meeting the requirements of the Good Landlord Charter. Agents may also find themselves liaising more with the Renters Rights Unit and local authorities as enforcement activity rises.
Uncertainties and areas to monitor following the election
The extent to which Craig’s proposals will be implemented depends on the outcome of the by-election and subsequent political developments. The powers of the Greater Manchester Mayor are currently limited regarding private rent controls, so campaigning for devolved powers to enforce such controls may face legal and political hurdles.
The details of how the Renters Rights Unit would operate, its enforcement powers and funding remain to be clarified. Similarly, the criteria for determining areas with “too many” HMOs and the practical application of expanded Article 4 Directions will require consultation and clear guidance.
Landlords and agents should watch for official announcements and local authority consultations following the election to understand how these proposals might translate into new regulations or enforcement practices.
Considerations for landlords and agents in Greater Manchester now
Landlords should review their portfolios to identify any HMOs that might be affected by tighter planning controls and consider the implications for future property conversions. Ensuring compliance with the Good Landlord Charter and preparing for potential enforcement activity under the Renters Rights Act will be increasingly important.
Letting agents should support landlords in understanding the evolving regulatory environment and assist with any additional documentation or procedural requirements linked to funding or compliance schemes. Monitoring local council planning policies and participating in consultations on Article 4 Directions will help agents advise clients effectively.
Keeping abreast of the by-election results and subsequent policy announcements will be essential for anticipating changes and adapting business practices accordingly.
Supporting landlords with compliance and property management
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that provides access to practical compliance resources and support tailored to evolving regulations such as those proposed in Greater Manchester. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise their properties and portfolios efficiently. ORBIT enables users to manage rental documents, record key actions such as inspections and repairs, and access up-to-date compliance information.
With the likelihood of increased enforcement activity and regulatory changes, tools like ORBIT can assist landlords in maintaining thorough records and demonstrating compliance with new requirements. TLA membership also offers guidance on tenancy law, safety obligations and local licensing, which will be valuable as landlords navigate potential new rent controls and HMO restrictions.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords and agents in Greater Manchester with practical support to prepare for and respond to the forthcoming regulatory environment.
The outcome of the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election will be closely watched by the rental sector. Should Bev Craig be elected, her proposed reforms could mark a significant shift in local rental regulation, with implications for landlords, agents and tenants alike. The campaign for devolved rent control powers may set a precedent for other regions, signalling a potential new phase in UK private rented sector policy.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association