Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has announced that it is utilising its Trailblazer devolution powers to deliver healthy, energy-efficient, safe, and warm homes for all tenants in the city region. Supporters of The Good Landlord Charter will now be able to access grants of up to £30,000 through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, to improve the energy efficiency of their property and install low-carbon heating systems.
Together, these two flagship programmes aim to raise the standard of privately rented accommodation and promote responsible, ethical landlord practices. GMCA is ensuring that public funding goes to landlords who demonstrate good practice and a commitment to higher standards while making clear that rogue landlords will not be tolerated. According to the city region authority, enforcement efforts have recently stepped up, with a 43% rise in fines, totalling £1.47m, reinvested directly into protecting tenants from unsafe or poor-quality housing.
The Good Landlord Charter
The Good Landlord Charter, launched in June 2025 to recognise and champion responsible landlords, has already attracted interest from more than 180 social and private landlords, covering over 250,000 homes (half of all rented homes in Greater Manchester). Over 100 landlords have taken the first step to full Membership of the Charter by demonstrating their legal compliance. The Charter is supporting these landlords with free training, advice, and guidance to raise renting standards.
All residential landlords operating in Greater Manchester can join the Charter for free here.
Warm Homes: Local Grant
What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
Through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the government is supporting landlords to improve the comfort, health, and wellbeing of low-income tenants by providing essential support for heating and insulation improvements, making warm, energy-efficient homes more achievable for everyone.
The packages of improvements will decrease draughts, mould, and sky-high bills, which don’t heat homes, putting more money back in the pockets of renters and improving their living conditions. Rented properties could also be eligible for low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, which could be paired with solar panels, bringing further savings.
By updating protections for renters and supporting landlords to make these upgrades in a fair way over several years, the government estimates half a million families will be lifted out of fuel poverty by the end of the decade. The GMCA’s allocation of funding is part of the Government’s commitment to the pilot announced in its trailblazer devolution deal.
Who can apply for the grant?
The grant is open to private rented sector tenants, where
- the tenant qualifies,
- the landlord gives permission, and
- the property has a low EPC rating (D–G).
You can apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant here.
How many properties are eligible for funding?
For landlords, the scheme provides a strong incentive to improve homes:
- One eligible property can usually be fully funded, while
- Additional properties can be improved with landlord contributions – and tenants will never be asked to pay.
What improvements can be funded by the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
The following improvements are eligible for the grant:
- Energy Performance (£15,000 cap): Loft, wall, and floor insulation, double/triple glazing, draught-proofing, solar panels, and smart heating controls.
- Low-Carbon Heating (£15,000 cap): Air source or ground source heat pumps.
“We will work with and support responsible landlords who want to do the right thing, and we will take firm action against those who don’t.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “When people have a healthy home, they are more likely to thrive in their everyday life. With our joined-up approach, we are proactively supporting landlords to make improvements and incentivising them to take responsibility for their properties – and the warmth and safety of their tenants.
“We are using our trailblazing devolution deal to pioneer a new model for good growth. By linking public funding with responsible, ethical behaviours, we’re leading the way in how to build a fairer, stronger housing system and blazing a trail for the rest of the country to follow.
“Greater Manchester’s message is clear: We will work with and support responsible landlords who want to do the right thing, and we will take firm action against those who don’t.”