A County Council in the North East is joining forces with a national landlord organisation in a bid to improve the conditions for tenants living in private accommodation.
Northumberland County Council and the National Landlord Association (NLA) are to work together on an accreditation scheme for private landlords that should raise the standard of private housing throughout the area. Both parties already have voluntary schemes in operation and the best parts of both will be brought together to the benefit of tenants living in the homes.
The council scheme was purely voluntary and owners received accreditation if the property was free from category 1 hazards, had an energy performance certificate, electric and gas safety certificates and was protected by landlord insurance. The NLA scheme concentrates more on landlord development, whereby landlords are compelled to complete a foundation course on the day to day problems landlords encounter including taxation, legislation, and property management.
Tom Brechany, the councillor representing the housing Sector of Northumberland County Council, said “I am delighted to announce this partnership with the NLA, which is designed to build on the good work that the council has undertaken since the spring of 2010 to raise standards and recognise good practice in the private rented sector across the county. I look forward to hearing that the numbers of landlords and properties involved has increased even further over the next 12 months.”
There is no doubt the scheme should attract plenty of interest. Signatories will get free property advertising on the Northumberland Homefinder, council help with any tenant led anti-social behaviour problems, and a dedicated accredited landlords’ email address for use on all council related issues such as housing benefit and local housing allowance. The partnership will last for one year after which the agreement will be reviewed.