Working together to improve standards in the Private Rented Sector

The NHC held a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Workshop as part of its Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSA) Network. 

Improving standards in the PRS is a political priority for Mayors across the North and the Renters’ Rights Act will provide local authorities with new responsibilities and enhanced enforcement powers. In this context, the session provided an opportunity to explore how MSA’s can play a strategic role in supporting their local authority partners to raise standards, coordinate enforcement, and drive innovation across the PRS. The workshop took place before last week’s announcement that many elements of the Renter’s Right’s Act will come in force from 1st May 2026, but this news has made it all the more relevant. 

The workshop brought together colleagues from mayoral and local authorities alongside academics and policy experts. 

Thank you to our contributors:

Alice Earley – Research Associate, UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence: Alice shared her research, providing a national overview of the PRS landscape, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities for local and regional action. 

John Bibby – Principle Housing Strategy (Private Rented Sector), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA): John outlined GMCA’s strategic approach to improving the private rented sector, including how the city-region is working to support local enforcement and raise standards.

Claire Vibert – Network and Learning Manager, Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter Implementation Unit, TDS: Claire introduced the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter and shared how it is being implemented as a tool to drive up standards and promote responsible landlord behaviour. 

Malcolm Ramsay – Project Manager for Let Zero, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA): Malcolm presented on SYMCA’s Let Zero, a good practice case study focused on improving energy efficiency,  reducing emissions, and improving resident wellbeing in the PRS. 

We are planning further sessions focusing on the PRS. Please contact Engagement & Place Officer Olivia Bannerman for more information: Olivia.bannerman@northern-consortium.org.uk