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Benefits for landlords

Aims of the scheme

• To reduce the numbers of empty, unused properties in Salford
• To reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and harassment   
• To improve the image of the city   
• To provide good quality private rented housing for tenants   
• To assist landlords by improving their access to information and resources

Benefits of the scheme

• Landlords can display the accredited landlord badge in their property, together with a certificate of membership, and on correspondence as a hallmark to indicate good practice
• Services and support provided by the council and the Landlord Accreditation team
• Incentives packages to imrpove standards across the Private Rented Sector
• Energy savings packages are available to landlords worth upto £800

Services and support networks

• A Code of Standards to be followed by accredited landlords
• A copy of the Assured shorthold tenancy agreement
• Inventory documents
• Access by tenants to the Salford Safe Deposit Scheme
• Advice and information on nuisance and other tenancy issues
• A referencing service to check new tenants
• A copy of the private sector listed contractors who regularly work for the council   
• A Landlord Accreditation newsletter is produced quarterly
• Improvements in the housing benefit service
• Membership certificates indicate acredited status
• Free reference checks for prospective tenants
• Contact details for Market Support Teams

Where does the scheme operate?

The scheme operates citywide and has attracted 500 landlords with over 2300 properties.

Who is eligible for the scheme at this time?

To be eligible for the scheme landlords must meet a certain code of standards and own or manage properties in Salford.  The applicant must fully complete the application form listing all of the properties in the portfolio.

Basic membership code of standards

• Appliances must be tested in accordance with gas and electrical safety regulations
• Furniture should comply with fire safety regulations
• All tenancies should have a written contract stating the rent level and provisions for review
• Landlords must agree to deal responsively with complaints about tenant behaviour. This will be supported by the Landlord Accreditation team
• The landlord must agree to carry out reference checks for all prospective tenants

Membership Ratings

There are 3 levels of membership for the Landlord Accreditation Scheme

• Class A - Award Standard (Highest)
• Class B - Decent Homes Standard (Benchmark Standard)
• Class C - Compliance Standard HHSRS (Housing Health & Rating System)

What if I am a Managing Agent?

There are 3 options available to managing agents:

• Agent led accreditation. The Agent signs up to the scheme agreeing to abide by the Code of Standards. All correspondence is received through the managing agent and not through individual landlords.
• Lanlord Consent Accreditation. The landlord conents to his property being put forward for accreditation but wishes as part of his managing arrangements that all correspondance remains through the agent.
• Landlord Consent Participation. The landlord wishes to join the scheme as an individual member and the managing agent retains responsibility for holding the gas safety certificate, tenancy agreement, electrical safety certificate and access to the property for accreditation purposes. The landlord consents to receive correspondence direct from the accreditation scheme and not via the agent.
• If you are a Managing agent and would like to join the scheme please complete an application form and return to us choosing the appropriate level of membership.

This page was last updated on 15 July 2008

• Landlord accreditation
• Landlord references
• Salford Safe Deposit Scheme