Landlords voluntary accreditation schemes spreading

The National Landlords Association has reported that the NLA Accreditation Scheme for private landlords is now being used by 28 local authorities, just one year on from its launch.

The NLA Accreditation Scheme provides local authorities with the means for compliant landlords to self-regulate and keep up-to-date with best practice and legislation, freeing up vital resources to tackle the small number of rogue landlords that blight the sector.

The scheme was launched by the NLA in April 2010 and is free to local authorities. The scheme is also recognised by all local authorities in Wales.

David Salusbury, NLA chairman, said: “The NLA Accreditation Scheme provides local government with a valuable vehicle to raise standards within the private-rented sector, and local authorities are now waking up to its potential.

“It provides landlords with a clear way of demonstrating that they are professional by understanding their obligations, as well as the extensive legislation governing the letting of private residential property.

“The fact that landlords can become accredited through the NLA’s scheme without cost to the public purse is an obvious benefit.

“We’re very pleased with the feedback from participating landlords, with 85% of those completing the scheme describing it as ‘excellent’. These individual landlords will now be able to promote the fact that they are accredited by the NLA.”