A letter to Andy Burnham - Good Landlord Charter
We all believe that people should be able to live in homes which do not damage their physical or psychological health. These were comments echoed by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Mayor Andy Burnham on Radio 4’s Today programme earlier this week (listen from 1h33m).
As the GMCA prepares to launch its voluntary Good Landlord Charter and accompanying Greater Manchester Property Check, earlier this week I wrote to the Mayor, asking that the Property Care Association (PCA) is involved in the development of technical standards linked to the initiative.
Recent Government guidance that points to PCA members...
Recent government guidance (Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home) set out that PCA qualifications such as the 'Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings' (CSDTB/CSDB) and 'Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing' (CSSW) were recognised as demonstrators of expertise in the sector. In combination with the recommendation that landlords should use appropriate trade association(s) and TrustMark members, this legislation will ensure high standards, whilst driving new business to our members, who must meet the criteria to be recognised for membership of our damp control sector.
Your expertise is needed...
I wrote to Andy Burnham earlier this week, requesting our involvement in the Scheme. PCA members are ideally placed to support tenants, homeowners and local authorities to understand the damp issues affecting their housing stock and support them in addressing the issues. As more councils and local authorities are likely to implement their own versions of the Good Landlord Charter, there will be a need for the PCA to ensure consistent technical standards to ensure when it comes to damp and mould, the same approach is taken regardless of region.
There is an opportunity to engage with this process, starting with the consultations on both Awaab’s Law and the Future Homes Standard. Next week, we will set out further information on how members can contribute to our response.