News from Peterborough City Council

Landlords are being invited to apply to join an accreditation scheme which is being launched by Peterborough City Council to improve standards in the private rented sector.

 

The Landlord Accreditation Scheme is a free, voluntary service for private landlords and will be an official recognition of good quality, safe and well managed homes. It will be launched by the city council as a pilot on Tuesday 9 December 2008.

 

The scheme will look to improve and increase rented accommodation available in the private sector in Peterborough and improve standards of management.

 

Landlords who apply to join the accreditation scheme will need to illustrate good standards of management and also that their properties meet a required standard. On completion an accreditation certificate will be issued.

 

For tenants, the scheme will make it easier to obtain information and to access better quality accommodation. Landlords will benefit from being known as a publicly identified good landlord, thus making it easier for them to find responsible tenants. It will also lead to greater contact between landlords and the city council on issues such as anti-social behaviour and changes in the law or with policies.

 

Landlords who join the accreditation scheme will also be able to access support, advice and resources so that they can provide high quality, well managed homes.

 

Councillor Graham Murphy, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and economic development, said: "The benefits of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme are far reaching. For tenants it is peace of mind that they are renting a safe and secure property with a well managed tenancy. For the wider community it will mean well managed properties which are in good condition and therefore less likely to attract crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

"There are also a number of benefits for landlords including improvements to the access of a range of council contacts and services and the status of being a publicly recognised good landlord."

 

Landlords or managing agents wishing to sign up for the scheme and/or sit on the steering group should contact Michelle Hudson-Smith on (01733) 864127 or email michelle.hudson-smith@peterborough.gov.uk for further information.

 

The first steering group meeting will take place in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough, on Wednesday 5 November 2008 at 6 pm.