Good Landlord Charter: how Greater Manchester landlords join
The Good Landlord Charter is a Greater Manchester scheme for landlords who go beyond the legal minimum. Joining as a supporter is free, and it is the gateway to the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This guide sets out the steps, the criteria and the papers to prepare. Checked 21 October 2026.
Published 21 October 2026. Last updated: 21 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, Retrofit Coordinator at LAMTANS Engineering.
We are not the Charter and cannot sign you up. Register on the official Charter site, gmgoodlandlord.org.uk.
Get help preparing my property
What is the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter?
The Charter was launched by GMCA in June 2025. It recognises and supports landlords in Greater Manchester, both social and private. GMCA reported over 180 landlords had shown interest by March 2026, covering over 250,000 homes.
Manchester City Council describes 21 standards across seven areas: Affordable, Inclusive, Private and Secure, Responsive, Supportive, Well Managed, and Safe and Decent. The November 2025 framework lists 20 membership criteria in the same seven categories. We use "criteria" and avoid quoting a number.
Good Landlord Charter supporter: how to join, step by step
Joining has two stages. You start as a supporter. You then work towards full membership.
| Stage | What you do | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Register | Complete the Charter's supporter form. An advisor contacts you | Personalised advice and guidance |
| 2. Legal compliance check | Show you meet the minimum legal requirements, using the step-by-step checker | Entry as a supporter |
| 3. Supporter | Commit to working towards the membership criteria | Use of the Charter brand, expert networks, partner discounts, grant eligibility |
| 4. Full membership | Meet every criterion and apply | Recognition as a Good Landlord |
Source for the steps: NRLA, 12 February 2026, which describes the Charter's own process. We could not load the Charter site itself, so confirm the current form on gmgoodlandlord.org.uk before you start.
What does it cost?
Nothing. GMCA says joining is free. The NRLA reports no registration or membership fees.
Who can join?
Manchester City Council says the Charter is open to all landlords in Greater Manchester. The criteria also apply to any letting or managing agent who acts for you.
Good Landlord Charter criteria: what full membership asks for
The framework says no landlord is expected to move straight from supporter to member. A supporter completes a self-assessment, writes an action plan and then applies. The criteria are set deliberately high.
Most criteria need a written policy or statement. The framework names these:
- Rent policy, rent arrears policy and an energy performance plan.
- Adaptations, alterations and access to property policies.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion statement.
- Repairs statement, complaints policy and inspection statement.
- Remedial works statement and a policy on space standards and amenities.
- Commitment to refer, viewings policy and an advice, support and guidance statement.
- A tenancy agreement with a summary document.
- A start and end of tenancy checklist.
Fit and proper person
You self-certify and consent to a third-party check. You also keep a repairs logbook with evidence of competence for specialist work.
Training
You must do one of three things: hold membership of a reputable accreditation scheme with training, complete 10 hours of continuing professional development on landlord responsibilities, or use an accredited managing agent. You also commit to ongoing training.
The energy performance plan
Criterion 3 sets a target for properties to reach EPC C by 2028, with a funded improvement programme. That is two years ahead of the government's 1 October 2030 policy date. The framework says details may change after review.
The Good Landlord Charter grant link: Warm Homes Local Grant
Only supporters of the Charter are eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant for privately rented homes. The tenant must also qualify and the property must have an EPC rating of D or E. Our claim guide shows the steps, and the grants for landlords guide has the amounts.
Supporting the Charter does not guarantee a grant. It opens the door.
Good Landlord Charter membership: what it means for your lettings
Membership is a public mark that you meet standards above the law. The Charter's advisor helps you work through the criteria, including how the Renters' Rights Act applies. Our Renters' Rights Act guide covers the legal changes.
Using the Charter brand
Supporters may use the Charter's brand and logo in their marketing. Only do so once you are accepted. Tenants can check the register, so a false claim is easy to spot.
Dated timeline
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Charter launched by GMCA | GMCA news |
| November 2025 | Private rented sector framework published | Charter framework |
| 12 February 2026 | NRLA describes the register, check and membership steps | NRLA |
| 12 March 2026 | GMCA links supporter status to the grant | GMCA news |
| 21 October 2026 | We re-checked these sources. No joining deadline is stated | Sources below |
Papers to prepare before you register
A short file saves time. Collect these first:
- Gas safety certificate and electrical report for each property. Our landlord compliance checklist lists the duties.
- Your tenancy agreement and the tenancy information you give new tenants.
- Current EPC for each property.
- Any repair logbook or maintenance records.
- Proof of any training or accreditation you hold.
For tenants: how to check your landlord
Tenants can check whether a landlord has signed up using the Charter's find a supporter page. Manchester City Council says supporters commit to higher standards. If a landlord claims support but does not meet legal standards, tenants can report them.
Our adviser tip, from a Retrofit Coordinator: sign up for the Charter and the grant at the same time, but start the energy performance plan first. A current EPC and a written upgrade plan are the slowest papers to produce.
Who we are
Compliant Lets is a trading name of LAMTANS Holdings Ltd. Retrofit work is delivered by LAMTANS Engineering Ltd. Check the registers yourself: TrustMark, RECC, ICO, Gas Safe Register and Simply Certification.
Book a free retrofit assessment
Sources
- GMCA: The Good Landlord Charter and the Warm Homes Local Grant, 12 March 2026, checked 21 October 2026
- GMCA: Warm Homes Local Grant, privately rented scheme, checked 21 October 2026
- Manchester City Council: The Good Landlord Charter, checked 21 October 2026
- Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter: Private Rented Sector Framework, November 2025, checked 21 October 2026
- NRLA: Better renting in Greater Manchester, 12 February 2026, checked 21 October 2026
- Good Landlord Charter website, the official site, checked 21 October 2026 as linked from Manchester City Council
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
Is the Good Landlord Charter free to join?
Yes. GMCA says joining is free, and the NRLA reports no registration or membership fees.
Is the Charter mandatory?
No. It is voluntary. It does matter if you want the Warm Homes: Local Grant, because only supporters are eligible for the privately rented scheme.
What is the difference between a supporter and a member?
A supporter has shown legal compliance and commits to the criteria. A member has met every criterion and is recognised as a Good Landlord. Landlords start as supporters.
Does the Charter cover letting agents?
The framework says the criteria apply to anyone involved in managing the property, including letting or managing agents acting for the landlord.
Do I have to be in Greater Manchester?
Yes. The Charter is a Greater Manchester scheme. Manchester City Council says it is open to all landlords in Greater Manchester.
Can tenants check if their landlord has joined?
Yes. The Charter site has a find a supporter page. Tenants can report a landlord who claims support but fails legal standards.
Do I need EPC C to join?
No. Joining as a supporter does not need EPC C. The membership energy performance plan sets a target of EPC C by 2028 with a funded programme.