Landlord Accreditation Schemes

Landlord or Property Accreditation Schemes are an initiative which recognises those properties in the private rented sector which are well maintained and well managed. Accredited ensures that properties comply with a range of standards covering such things as gas and electrical safety, general maintenance, fire precautions etc. A more comprehensive list is below

Why apply for accreditation?

Prospective tenants can be confident that a property or landlord which has been awarded accredited status will provide decent, safe and secure accommodation. Landlords themselves can also be confident that their property is of an acceptable standard and that they are providing good quality housing for their tenants.

What are the benefits of being accredited?

Some of the benefits include

• An improved image with potential lenders
  
• A lower turnover of tenants, with associated cost savings
  
• An advantage in attracting new tenants
  
• Access to advice on all housing matters, including regularly updated fact sheets on, for example, housing benefit regulations
  
• A decrease in the abuse of properties
  
• Discount schemes with preferred local suppliers and insurance companies
  
• Reduced likelihood of statutory action by the Council
  
• Some Colleges and Universities also identify accredited properties on their accommodation lists

How does the Scheme work?

When an application for accredited status has been received, the property will normally be inspected by an Environmental Health Officer. If the property meets the standards set, it will be awarded accredited status for a fixed period of up to 5 years.

At the end of each year, the landlord will need to certify that the property still meets those standards and will also have to supply the Council with copies of annual gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates (every five years) plus any other relevant documentation i.e. fire alarm system servicing if appropriate. Self-certification of properties will be supplemented by spot checks on a percentage of properties each year. Should a complaint be received about an accredited property, there will be an automatic re-inspection. At the end of the accreditation period, the landlord will need to make a new application.

How much does it cost?

In order to cover administrative costs, a fee of around £50.00 may be charged for each property. This is a one-off payment which also normally covers the full accreditation period (e.g. 5 years). This fee, however, may be waived if the property is a House in Multiple Occupation which has been licensed / registered by the local Council and meets all relevant standards.

How do I apply?

Accreditation schemes are a fairly new initiative and not all councils offer a scheme. Application forms and information packs will be available through the Private Sector Housing department in local council assuming they have a scheme in place.

Standards Required

In order for your property to be given accredited status, you will need to show that certain standards have been met. The following list gives an indication of the criteria on which the property may be assessed,

• Electrical Safety
  
• Gas Safety
  
• Fire Safety
  
• Suitability for habitation
  
• Furniture Safety (if let furnished)
  
• Repair
  
• Management
  
• Thermal comfort
  
• Security
  
• HMO Licensing (if appropriate)