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NALS is pleased to support Manchester City Council in a new initiative to raise standards in the Private Rented Sector.

MCC have taken a sensible approach by creating the Manchester Renting Pledge that tenants, landlords, and agents can voluntarily sign up to.

The Pledge sets out some basic standards that both tenants and landlords agree to abide by.

If you rent your home

If you can make these commitments, you can sign up to the Manchester Renting Pledge. It’s a great way to show private landlords that you’re determined to be a good tenant.

I will pay my rent on time: even if I have a dispute with my landlord.

I will look after my home: I will tell the landlord straight away if I need a repair; and get their permission if I want to make improvements or do my own repairs.

I will be a good neighbour: I will keep noise down, and keep the area around my home clean and tidy.

If you’re a landlord or agent 

If you can make these commitments, you can sign the Manchester Renting Pledge. It’s a great way to show tenants, and potential tenants, that you’re determined to be a good landlord.

I will protect the tenant’s deposit: through an approved deposit protection scheme.

I will supply a written tenancy agreement: it will include the rent and other charges, how to pay, the length of the tenancy and how it can be ended, a list of the contents and their condition, and who pays bills and council tax.

I will provide a safe, comfortable, well-maintained home: it will have a gas safety certificate, annual gas checks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and an energy performance certificate.

I will give contact details and notice: including emergency numbers and 24 hours notice if I’m visiting.

I will do repairs promptly: if there’s a risk to the tenant or the property, I will deal with it straight away, and will carry out urgent repairs within a few working days.

I will deal with antisocial behaviour and nuisance: if my tenant is troubled by other people’s behaviour, of if other people complain about my tenant, I will deal with it quickly.

I will look after the outside: I will keep the exterior and outside areas of the building in good condition.

If I’m an agent I will be a member of a redress scheme.

I will consider joining a professional organisation: such as the National Landlords Association, Residential Landlords Association, Association of Residential Lettings Agents, Association of Residential Managing Agents, Manchester Student Homes.

You can find out more about the Manchester Renting Pledge >>> here.

NALS CEO Isobel Thomson commented:

“We welcome the common sense approach adopted by Manchester City Coundil to raising standards across the Private Rented Sector for Manchester residents.

We look forward to a partnership working with the Council to deliver their Market Rental Strategy and will encourage all NALS firms in Manchester to make sure they sign up to the Manchester Renting Pledge, underlining their customer service commitment to tenants and landlords”.

NALS is the National Approved Letting Scheme, a not for profit licensing scheme for lettings and management agents operating in the Private Rented Sector.