1 Landlord Accreditation Scheme Jane Harrison Senior Private Sector Housing Officer 1 December 2011

2 Background Recent concern locally and nationally about conditions in private rented housing Need to increase supply of available housing Pressure on Local Authorities to promote higher standards within this growing sector Cabinet agreed scheme September 2011

3 What is landlord accreditation It is a scheme to promote professional landlords and agents who provide good quality, well managed accommodation Accredited landlords will sign up and comply with a code of standards which will include gas & electrical safety, general maintenance, fire precautions and management of properties Initially there will be no fee to join the scheme

4 Aims of scheme Encourage and support landlords to provide good quality rented accommodation To enable tenants to make informed choices Improve confidence in the private rented sector locally Increase the potential number of landlords willing to work with us to meet local housing need

5 Advantages for Landlords Good landlords can get the recognition they deserve for the housing provision they offer Improved profile for the landlord and their business Provide free toolkit in the form of a code of standards to help landlords manage their properties Free training and updates

6 Advantages for Local Authority Increase supply of good quality private rented accommodation to meet housing need Increased confidence in standards of accommodation Reduction in failed tenancies Improving relationships with private landlords

7 What Have We Done Already ? Developed code of standards Consulted with landlords Consulted with legal department Arranged provisional date for launch of scheme

8 Code of Standards There is a code of standards that landlords and agents will be expected to achieve They cover legal requirements and best practice Checks will be carried out by the private sector housing team to ensure compliance

9 Criteria Landlords are required to be a fit and proper person as defined in the Housing Act 2004 Applicants are asked to declare that no relevant convictions or action has been taken against them Convictions for harassment, discrimination and certain legal orders may disqualify an applicant from joining the scheme

10 Limitations of Scheme We cannot make it compulsory in all properties – Private sector leasing and homebond only Will not tackle the very worst housing conditions – these will be dealt with through enforcement If conditions of the scheme are breached landlords may be removed from the scheme

11 Next Steps Information packs will be sent out week commencing 5 th December 2011 Accreditation Scheme will be launched on 21 st December 2011 Invitations will be sent to –Accredited landlords –Chief Executive –Councillors –Shelter

12 How to apply Download a copy of the information pack, from the council’s Private Sector Housing Website or or telephoning / For further information and advice please contact the Private Sector Housing Team prior to completion of the form