Tenant sits 'at home' to highlight new landlord accreditation scheme
Added 11.03.10
A Portsmouth councillor set up home in the city's main square last month to promote the local authority’s new Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
Cllr Steven Wylie, Cabinet Member for Housing on Portsmouth City Council, sat in an armchair in a temporary 'living room' in the square, complete with TV and houseplant.
Wylie, who is a tenant of a private landlord himself, launched the council's landlord accreditation scheme, with the aim of boosting the standard of private rented accommodation in the area.
The Portsmouth scheme includes a website listing for approved landlords and properties, which tenants can search. Landlords who qualify will benefit from official recognition and expert help.
Cllr Wylie said: “I didn't mind sitting out in the cold for a while to promote this scheme, because it's really good for Portsmouth. We need to improve the standard of private rented homes and encourage all the good landlords out there who set high standards.
“I've lived in bad places and really good ones. I know how hard it can be for tenants to find a good property with a good landlord. We need to encourage good landlords and letting agents, and bring others up to their level.”
Landlords can join the scheme if the council is happy with the condition of their property and the amenities it provides, and if they meet fit-and-proper-person criteria.
There is a small fee to join the scheme, depending on the number of properties a landlord has. It can be as low as £50 for the first year.
Landlords and agents get advantages including:
• Expert advice on issues such as grants and tenancy issues
• Energy-saving tips and advice
• Up to 50 free energy performance certificates worth around £60 each
• A listing on the scheme website
• Free advertising and promotion of accredited properties on the website
• Personalised promotional material
• Free landlord training events
• THERE will be a Private Landlord Forum on 11 March at the Mid Sussex District Council Offices, Oaklands, Haywards Heath for landlords with properties in the area.
The evening will start with tea and coffee and an exhibition from 6pm followed by presentations from 6.30pm.
Guest speakers will be presenting on Housing Standards and the role of the Environmental Health Officer; Fire safety, plus an update on Housing Benefit.
News feed courtesy of Residential Landlord