An association run by a local council with the involvement of private landlords is marking its 10th anniversary.

The Partnership Accreditation for Landlords scheme is a free and voluntary landlord and property accreditation service that aims to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation in Welwyn Hatfield.  

The scheme was founded by the local council and the University of Hertfordshire in 2012 to help students and other private rental tenants find good quality homes.  

Through the scheme, landlords and letting agencies can access free help, advice and training with any letting related issues such as tenancy agreements and disrepair issues, such as damp and mould. Tenants that rent from a PAL accredited landlord or letting agent can be assured properties will meet legal requirements, are good quality and are well managed.

By the end of 2014, 54 landlords and four letting agencies in Welwyn Hatfield had been given PAL accreditation, with those numbers rising to 90 accredited landlords and 14 accredited agencies in January 2023.  There are now plans to roll it out across other local authorities in Hertfordshire,    

A council spokesperson says: “I am delighted that the PAL scheme has been such a success and is helping more students and tenants than ever before find quality homes in Welwyn Hatfield.  It was also great to hear from officers about plans for the further expansion of the scheme, not just in our borough but across Hertforshire. I wish them every success for the future development of this important scheme.”