The recruits are joining council teams through a programme launched in 2023 to increase local housing enforcement capacity.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority said they would help inspect rental properties, investigate illegal practices and take enforcement action against landlords.
Thirteen previous trainees have graduated from the programme and are now employed in housing enforcement.
The combined authority is working with all 10 councils to rebuild staffing and expertise following sustained pressure on council budgets. It said the programme would help ensure enforcement powers were applied consistently across the city region.
Bev Craig, identified in the release as Mayor of Greater Manchester, met the recruits to discuss housing standards and support for renters.
She said, “A safe place to call home is the cornerstone of a happy, healthy life. But for years, people have felt trapped in poor-quality housing, and cash-strapped councils were unable to step in to help.
“I’m putting an end to that.
“We know there are plenty of good landlords in Greater Manchester, and many of them have already signed up to our Good Landlord Charter. But too many are just not good enough.
“That’s why we’re deploying a new generation of expert housing officers onto the streets of our towns and cities. With the Renters Rights Act now offering stronger protections for tenants, we’re giving councils the resources they need to enforce the law, uphold standards, and take action against rogue operators who are happy to let properties fall into disrepair.
“And it’s why I want to go further to strengthen the Good Landlord Charter and back renters with more action when they’re failed by the properties that should be keeping them safe.
“I won’t stand by and let rogue landlords take advantage of people. By empowering renters, working with responsible landlords, and using our powers to crack down on the bad ones, I will make sure everyone in Greater Manchester has the foundation for a good life.”
The enforcement programme runs alongside the Good Landlord Charter, established in 2024.
The combined authority said landlords responsible for more than half of rented properties in Greater Manchester had signed up as supporters. Supporters commit to going beyond minimum legal requirements and improving the renting experience.
Paul Dennett, identified in the release as Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester and City Mayor of Salford, said, “Greater Manchester’s radical, co-ordinated approach to tackling the housing crisis head-on is all about recognising that the security of a good home is fundamental to good jobs, good education and good health.
"The foundational role having a safe, decent, accessible and truly affordable place to call home plays in our lives is critical for Greater Manchester's residents - from families, children and young people and communities – supporting them with growing up, getting on and growing old, and ensuring everyone has access to a good quality of life, health, economic opportunity and the prospect of living well across our city region.
“To achieve our ambitions, we're increasing the supply of housing to deliver the homes our growing city region needs, supporting people to live in truly affordable, safe, decent, accessible and energy-efficient homes, while continuing to support those facing the sharpest consequences of the housing and homelessness crises and those in most housing need.
“Our new trainee housing enforcement officers are key to our efforts in delivering on these ambitions, giving local authorities much-needed support in upholding standards, making sure repairs and maintenance are carried out, and where necessary, taking action against irresponsible and criminal landlords.”
Ed, a graduate of the programme who now works for Oldham Council, said, “I've made a real difference in my local area. Seeing the difference in properties from when I first visit them and find issues like damp and mould, then seeing the progress that's been made and the happiness on the tenants' faces once they get a nice, liveable home, it's really nice to see the change in the standard of homes in my community.”
