Landlord accreditation scheme

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Landlord Accreditation Scheme

We recognise the enormous role of the private rented sector in providing accommodation throughout our city. The council believes it is important to reward good landlords, who consistently maintain high standards within the private rented sector.

The council runs a Landlord Accreditation Scheme so that the best private landlords can be recognised and rewarded, and to help others raise their standards of property maintenance and management.

The scheme formally recognises flats and houses in good condition, which are safe, secure and well managed for the benefit of the tenants who rent them.

Our development officer runs the scheme and works to make sure it brings real benefits to landlords who join. The development officer can also act as a liaison between the accredited landlords and council officers as appropriate.

What are the standards for accreditation?

The standards for accreditation can be divided into two component parts. They relate to the physical standards of the property and the standards of tenant management as set out below.

Property standards

• structurally sound and self-contained
• clean and in good repair
• adequate waste disposla facilities
• free from damp
• secure locks
• fixed economic heating
• compliant to Fire Regulations
• compliant to Furniture/Furnishings Fire Regulations
• current Gas Safety Certificate
• Electrical Safety Certificate
• current Buildings Insurance
• agreement to random visits

Management standards

• fair and equal treatment of tenants
• accurate written Tenancy Agreement
• a deposit procedure which complies with the National Deposit Protection Scheme
• accurate written inventory and schedule of condition
• provision of rent receipts or rent book
• photocopied evidence available to tenants of Buildings Insurance, and the Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates
• repairs contact and procedure
• full explanation of use of fire alarm system
• full explanation of use of security alarm and procedure
• no evidence of landlord harassment or illegal eviction during the last two years

What are the benefits?

Alongside the availability of advice, training and assistance from the Private Sector Development Officer, benefits of membership of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme include:

• the ability to apply for energy efficiency grants
• landlords registered with the universities can charge higher rents to students
• consideration for the council's Empty Property Assistance Scheme

This scheme has been built with landlords in mind. We need your to help us develop it so please get in touch to let us know what further benefits you would like to see.

To join the scheme or for further details, please call our Private Sector Development Officer on (01273) 293086.