What is accreditation?
Accreditation is free and voluntary with a set of standards
relating to the management and physical conditions of privately
rented accommodation. Landlords who join the scheme and abide by
the standards are 'accredited' and recognised as good landlords
offering safe, warm and healthy homes to tenants.
Who can join the scheme?
The scheme is open to any landlord or managing
agent in Peterborough.
What are the aims of the scheme?
The schemes aim is to encourage, acknowledge
and actively promote good standards of privately rented
accommodation whilst assisting landlords and tenants to undertake
their respective responsibilities to each other. The scheme applies
to the private rented sector only and not to Housing Association
properties where other service level agreements apply
How does the scheme work?
Interested landlords and agents can download
or request an application form. Part of the form is a ‘fit and
proper person’ declaration which must be completed. On receipt of
your completed application the Landlord Accreditation Officer will
contact you to arrange a visit at a convenient time.The majority of
agents and landlords already provide a good management service to
tenants but the landlord accreditation officer will need to look at
your individual management practices before you can become
officially accredited. The requirements from Managing Agents will
be more comprehensive than from an individual landlord, however the
minimum legal requirements will be expected from all applicants.
Some of the areas we will discuss with you include:
- Provision of a comprehensive, written tenancy
agreement
- Informing prospective tenants of any fees
payable
- Procedures in place for correct handling of
deposit
- Once you have received your Management
Accreditation Certificate then a schedule will be discussed to
accredit each individual property on your portfolio
Property accreditation
If your property meets the requirements you
will receive a certificate of accreditation for each property that
meets the standards. Properties will be accredited for a three year
period after which time the property may be re-assessed. Random
audits may take place during the three year period. We encourage
landlords and agents to put forward their complete portfolio.
What standards do I need to achieve?
- Properties must have a current gas safety and
energy performance certificate if applicable.
- The electrical installation must be in a safe
condition.
- Any furniture supplied by the landlord must
meet fire safety regulations.
It is important to note that the property must
comply with current housing legislation - a copy of which is
available on request.
What are the benefits of accreditation?
It is expected that accredited status will
give landlords and agents a competitive edge over other providers
of private rented accommodation when attracting new tenants as well
as enhancing the image and professional status.
- A recognised 'quality mark' providing
elevated status over non-accredited landlords
- A growling list of discounted services from
both local and national businesses
- Access to free advertising
- Remain fully and promptly informed of any
change in regulations that may affect you
- Dedicated landlord accreditation officer
providing support and advice
- Recognition as a reputable landlord from
Peterborough City Council
- Access to advice and guidance on tenancy
matters and property standards
- Access to a free tenancy mediation
service to help resolve problems at an early stage.
- Access to Rainbow Saver Anglia Credit Union
Ltd with key benefits for landlords and tenants on LHA
payments
- Access to reduced advertising through Choice
Based Lettings
- Free environmental information pack
- Free energy void scheme (for larger portfolio
holders) together with information on waste, recycling and welcome
packs for tenants (Peterborough Environment City Trust)
- Fast track for landlords to obtain better
access to information from local authority staff
- Up to date information on new legislation,
initiates and policies
How to apply
Download an application form or contact
the Housing Inititives officer.
The document below appears in Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format. In order to view it you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed. (Those with visual impairments may wish to investigate Access Adobe, which provides tools and information to help make PDF files more accessible). Please note that some of the files are more than 1MB in size, and could take some time to download. |  |
Landlord Accreditation application form
(20KB, 3 pages)
Contact details
- Housing Inititives officer, Bayard Place,
Private Sector Housing/Third Floor, Peterborough PE1 1HZ
- Telephone 01733 864127