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The private rented sector plays a critical and growing role in Bury's housing market, providing homes for a wide range of residents. For many, it is not a short-term option but a long-term home. This makes the quality, affordability, and security of private rented housing essential, as poor-quality homes can significantly impact physical and mental health, while a lack of security can create instability and anxiety. |
The sector faces a number of challenges, including rising rents, variable property standards, and inconsistent management practices. This is an area of growing importance, and one where we recognise we need to strengthen our understanding of who is living in the sector and their lived experience, so that our approach is informed, targeted, and effective. We will take a balanced approach, that supports responsible landlords while taking firm action to tackle poor standards and management.
Building a Better Understanding of the Private Rented Sector
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17.8% |
of households now rent privately, more than double since 2001. |
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14,367 |
households in the PRS (2021), up from 10,774 in 2011. |
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60% |
of private renters earn under £26,000 a year, £39,500 is required for entry level rents. |
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80-90% |
rent increase since 2010; average now £823-£949 per month. |
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22.6% |
of private rented homes are non-decent. |
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18.1% |
of private renters are dissatisfied with their home's condition. |
While we have a strong evidence base on the scale and profile of the private rented sector in Bury, including the number of households, rent levels, and affordability pressures, we recognise that data alone does not fully capture how the sector is experienced in practice.
Over the lifetime of this strategy, we will build a richer understanding of the private rented sector, exploring the lived experiences of both tenants and landlords. This will include issues such as security, affordability, property conditions, access to support, and the challenges faced by responsible landlords operating in a changing regulatory environment.
By combining quantitative data with real insight from those directly involved, we will develop a more nuanced picture of the sector. This will enable the council to take a more targeted, evidence-led approach, shaping interventions that respond to real-world challenges, improve standards and support a more stable, accessible and well-functioning private rented sector.
Improving Our Understanding of Who Lives in the Private Rented Sector
Houses in Multiple Occupation play an important role in meeting housing need in Bury, particularly for households with limited options. There are currently 159 licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation accommodating over 800 households, with concentrations around Bury Town Centre, Walmersley Road, Knowsley Street, and other central routes. To better manage growth, quality, and neighbourhood impacts, the council is progressing a borough-wide Article 4 Direction and an updated Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document, so future conversions can be assessed through the planning system.
Strengthening Standards and Enforcement through the Renters' Rights Act
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The Renters' Rights Act represents a major shift in how the private rented sector is regulated, significantly strengthening expectations on landlords and protections for tenants. Bury Council will seek to maximise its positive impact for both tenants and responsible landlords. |
Bury Council is taking a proactive and increasingly robust approach to improving standards in the private rented sector, recognising its growing importance within the borough's housing system.
Through its established Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, the council is already using its statutory powers to tackle poor housing conditions, address ineffective management, and ensure homes are safe and fit for occupation. This is supported by a focus on targeted enforcement, constructive engagement with landlords, and collaboration across Greater Manchester.
Looking ahead, the council is preparing for the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act, which will significantly strengthen tenant protections and place new responsibilities on local authorities. The legislation is expected to improve security for tenants, increase transparency around property conditions, and enhance the council's ability to enforce standards. A key element will be the introduction of a national private rented sector database, enabling better identification of non-compliant landlords.
In response, Bury is creating a dedicated Environmental Health Officer role to focus on inspections, complaint investigation and compliance activity, ensuring the council is well-positioned to respond to increased demand and deliver a more effective, coordinated regulatory approach.
Improving Quality and Housing Standards
Building Capacity to Strengthen Enforcement
Bury Council is increasing enforcement capacity to respond to rising demand, more complex cases, and the additional responsibilities introduced through the Renters' Rights Act. Strengthening resources is essential to ensure housing standards can be effectively monitored and enforced across a growing private rented sector.
To support this, the council is participating in the Greater Manchester Environmental Housing Standards Officer scheme. This programme is helping to address the shortage of qualified enforcement officers by training apprentices within local authority teams. These officers gain practical experience inspecting properties, identifying hazards, and taking enforcement action, while working towards formal qualifications. This will increase enforcement capacity, improve housing standards, and ensure tenants are better protected across the private rented sector.
Selective Licensing
We want the private rented sector to be a tenure of choice, offering good quality, well-managed homes that residents can rely on. To support this, the council will explore the potential introduction of selective licensing, which requires landlords in designated areas to obtain a licence demonstrating that properties are well managed and meet required housing standards. Selective licensing can provide an effective tool to address poor conditions, tackle anti-social behaviour, and strengthen management practices, while generating income through licence fees for reinvestment into enforcement and landlord engagement. Any future approach will be carefully assessed to ensure it supports both tenants and responsible landlords while driving up standards across the sector.