Accreditation scheme working well for NLA members – In what is proving to be a bonanza year for private investors with an interest in landlord insurance quotes, one national organisation that represents the interests of such a group is turning its attention on the small minority of landlords who give the rest of them a bad name.
Separating the wheat from the chaff
With the advent of “generation rent” will come more and more stories of rogue landlords. It is inevitable, with thousands, possibly millions more people renting properties throughout the private renting sector the incidences of landlords treating their tenants badly will numerically increase. The National Landlords Association (NLA) have introduced a national accreditation scheme that they hope will enable its members avoid being tarred with the same brush as rogue landlords and at the same time give would be tenants a clear indication that they would be renting a property from a reputable person.
Onus on landlords to prove their worth
The NLA accreditation scheme is now over one year old and is aimed at providing local authorities with the confidence that they can place tenants into the private sector safe in the knowledge that the landlord and property are compliant with all rules and regulations. The scheme requires landlords to divulge their past history including affirmation that they have no criminal activity background in regard to fraud etc. It requires them to declare they will always work in a professional manner and resolve complaints and disputes in a timely fashion. They also have to promise to adhere by any decision made by an independent adjudicator if a dispute has to be referred.
Scheme 100% in Wales
The scheme has certainly been a hit with local authorities and 28 have already agreed to work with landlords who have the accreditation. In Wales every local authority has signed up to the plan. It really is a boost for private landlords. Although the present demand for rented accommodation means few landlords are taking out empty property insurance at the moment the prospects of working with local authorities can give landlords the confidence to go out there and expand their portfolios safe in the knowledge that while they base their business on standards of excellence they will have a good source of custom.