Labour politician’s call for rent controls and HMO clampdown
Summary
Labour’s Greater Manchester mayoral candidate Bev Craig has set out a housing platform focused on tighter controls in the private rented sector. Her proposals include expanding Article 4 Directions for HMOs, strengthening the Good Landlord Charter, linking local funding for retrofitting to charter compliance, and exploring rent caps or controls through a new commission.
Why it matters
These proposals could affect landlord behaviour, HMO investment, and local planning requirements in Greater Manchester. Surveyors involved in valuation, landlord advisory work, or property due diligence may need to track potential policy changes that could influence rental demand, asset use, and compliance expectations.
Key points
- Proposal to expand Article 4 Directions to restrict HMO conversions in areas with high concentrations
- Plans for a Greater Manchester-wide Renters Rights Unit to enforce the Renters Rights Act and address bad landlords
- Intention to strengthen the Good Landlord Charter and tie some local funding, including retrofit support, to charter membership
- Commitment to create a commission examining rent limits, caps or controls for Greater Manchester
- Additional pledge to consider compulsory purchase of some empty properties
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
