Propertymark has offered its support for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Good Landlords Charter, but wants a more prominent role for letting agents despite making the same call back in March.

The voluntary scheme allows landlords from the private and social sectors to commit to standards above the minimum demanded by the law. It is also intended to help tenants identify landlords who are committed to higher standards.

Propertymark reacted positively when consulted about the new initiative, arguing that it had the potential to progress the sector forward.

Disappointed

Letting agents will have a role in promoting and championing the charter but Propertymark expressed disappointment that they could not could not sign up to the charter, especially as research revealed that over 40% of tenants in Manchester used a letting agent.

Propertymark argued that letting agents are more likely than individual landlords to be able to prove they have accreditation and training and can help provide transparency on rent allocation, signpost information, and meet the necessary standards.

They are also legally obliged to join a government-approved redress scheme and possess Client Money Protection standards not currently required for individual landlords.

Involving them more closely would therefore guarantee enhanced consumer protection and that’s why Propertymark say they must be included in the Charter.

Propertymark has now written to all the elected mayors, encouraging them to consider a greater role for letting agents if they are considering mirroring the charter for their own areas.

Role

Tim Thomas, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark, says: “It is disappointing that there is no current provision for agents to engage with this process. Propertymark will continue to promote the Good Landlords Charter but remain keen for agents to play a much greater role within the process.”