Andy Burnham’s growing national profile is prompting renewed debate over what a more regulation-focused housing agenda could mean for private landlords.

The Greater Manchester mayor has confirmed he intends to return to Westminster, fuelling speculation about his future influence within the Labour government, and the direction of the housing policy nationally.

Over recent years Burnham has positioned housing at the centre of his Greater Manchester programme, combining stronger enforcement against poor housing conditions with support schemes aimed at improving standards across the private rented sector.

At the heart of that approach is the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter - a voluntary scheme launched by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to promote higher standards among landlords and letting agents.

The charter, which has attracted more than 100 landlords and housing providers covering about half of rented homes in the city-region, is designed to encourage improved property conditions, tenant engagement and energy efficiency standards.

Burnham has also overseen a wider push of enforcement activity. Greater Manchester recently reported a 43% rise in financial penalties issued against landlords, with fines totalling £1.47m.

At the same time, the mayor has sought to position himself as supportive of what he describes as “responsible landlords”. Earlier this year, Greater Manchester announced grants of up to £30,000 for landlords carrying out EPC and retrofit improvements through the Good Landlord Charter scheme.

However, some proposals linked to Burnham’s wider housing agenda are likely to concern parts of the sector.

In speeches earlier this year, Burnham argued councils should be given stronger powers to compulsorily purchase non-decent private rented homes, alongside wider action to increase social housing supply.

He has also called for the suspension of Right to Buy on newly built council homes in areas facing acute housing pressure.

Supporters say the Greater Manchester model aims to raise standards while recognising good landlords and improving housing supply. Critics, meanwhile, warn that growing regulation, licensing and enforcement activity risk adding further pressure to a sector already facing major legislative change.

Landlords are currently adjusting to the abolition of Section 21, incoming reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act and the prospect of tougher energy efficiency targets.

While there is no indication that Burnham’s regional policies would automatically become national policy, housing professionals are increasingly watching Greater Manchester as a possible blueprint for future Labour thinking on the private rented sector.