Celebrating ten years of landlord accreditation
Salford City Council's Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LAS) is celebrating its ten year anniversary following its launch in September 2001. The scheme has attracted over 750 members with in excess of 3,000 properties.
LAS is a voluntary scheme working in partnership with private sector landlords', helping to create a better working relationship and offering advice and support on a wide variety of subjects relating to housing, not only within Salford, but also regional and national agenda and policy.
In issue two of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme newsletter, it was reported that the scheme had signed up 25 members in Langworthy and Seedley area pilot. A working group had been established to help shape the scheme and the first two meetings had been held.
The official launch of scheme at The Lowry, Salford Quays marked the end of a successful pilot and the introduction of the scheme citywide. The scheme continues to cover properties across the whole of Salford, providing advice and information for private landlords and managing agents.
The scheme's aim is to ensure residents of Salford have access to quality private sector housing whist also improving the image of the area. Assistance is provided to landlords, helping them to gain access to information and resources, which will help them, improve their service.
The scheme serves to benefit both landlord and tenant by improving standards of private rented accommodation and the image of an area. The Landlord Accreditation Scheme introduced property inspections for accredited properties to check compliance with the scheme's Code of Standards.
As the scheme grew in size, the Landlord working group which had been active in developing and shaping the scheme had out grown itself with the success of the scheme. This resulted in an Executive Board being established alongside a citywide Landlord's Forum.
The Landlord's Forum invites all landlords and managing agents to attend, to give them the opportunity to discuss issues that are relevant to them. Up-to-date information and presentations are also provided on services available, council policies and local government legislation that will ultimately affect them and the service they provide.
Changes were introduced in 2004 to prepare for the introduction of the Housing Act 2004. The team was restructured and new staff recruited for landlord accreditation, landlord licensing, housing standards, burglary reduction and anti-social behaviour. By working together many benefits were introduced for members of the accreditation scheme. A training session was held for landlords on 26 November 2004, ‘Achieving professional standards in the private rented housing sector' which was well attended and received.
By November 2005, the scheme had achieved a milestone of 500 members of the scheme, which was on of the largest schemes' in the county at the time.
Councillor Connor, lead member for housing, said: "The number of landlords' who have signed up to this scheme is extremely encouraging. It will help us improve the standard of privately rented homes for tenants as well as giving landlords greater confidence and support."
The Housing Act 2004 introduced a method of assessment to ascertain if a property was fit for habitation. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was incorporated into the Code of Standards which was revised in November 2006, along with the introduction of a new tenant handbook.
Councillor Connor also added: "This accreditation scheme will put landlords' one step ahead if they own property in an area of Salford where landlord licensing will soon be compulsory. Landlords must show they are acting within the law and taking adequate steps to manage their properties and keep them safe. Accredited landlords will already have achieved or be working towards this standard and so should be well placed to obtain a licence with minimum fuss."
Over the years, LAS has produced 30 newsletters, with issue 28 for November 2010, being the last hard-copy print edition. The newsletter is now produced electronically and circulated via email. This has been key in spreading the work of accreditation and its many benefits and incentive that the team works hard to secure form its member. Active involvement from the Housing Benefit team and Housing Advice team have been most treasured benefits of the scheme, providing one-to-one case discussions, training and derailed information on changes and how they impact on both landlords and tenants in Salford.
Other incentives that are available to members include:
- Property advertising on Pinpoint choice based letting site
- Tenant referrals for the Rental Bond Scheme
- Assistant and discounts on licence applications
- Reduced rates from contractors
- Free loft and cavity wall insulation
- Financial incentives for health and safety improvements (subject to availability)
Who to contact
- Name
- Landlord Accreditation Team
- Address
- Salford Civic Centre
Second Floor
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5BY
Map to this location - Telephone
- 0161 793 3270
- landlord.accreditation@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 10 November 2011
