A partnership project between Plymouth City Council and South West Landlords' Association (SWLA).
The development of Landlord Accreditation South West
Landlord Accreditation South West is a partnership project between Plymouth City Council and South West Landlords' Association (SWLA). The partners worked together to ensure that the scheme would meet the aspirations of both organisations and it is essentially run by SWLA, who have become members of the Accreditation Network (ANUK) in order to ensure the scheme is robust.
To become accredited landlords must attend a full day of training rather than just pass an on line test. This is based on the ANUK Landlord Manual and is delivered by trainers from Training for Professionals. At the end of the course landlords can choose to take a validation paper and if this is successfully passed they can choose to go on to apply for accreditation.
A charge of £65.00 is made by SWLA for attendance at the course – there is no additional charge if landlords choose to apply for accreditation. To apply for accreditation landlords need to complete an application and sign up to a Code of Conduct which covers property standards, landlord obligations and management of tenancies. They must also become and remain members of a landlord association (not necessarily SWLA) and complete 10 hours of CPD each year.
Before accredited status is confirmed, details of applicants are circulated around the south west authorities to ensure that there is no reason the applicant could not be considered a ‘fit and proper' person to be accredited.
In Plymouth accredited landlords are entitled to a discount of £60 on each HMO licence they apply for. It is proposed to develop the benefits including providing stationery displaying the LASW logo and stickers to put in the windows of properties available for rent. This is aimed at raising awareness of the scheme amongst tenants.
The scheme is currently being supported by Plymouth City Council, Teignbridge Council and Torbay Council and it is hoped that other south west authorities will adopt the scheme in the near future.
Why was the scheme developed?
SWLA felt that national schemes did not focus enough on training of landlords, an essential element in improving landlord skills and then property standards. The training programme seemed worthwhile in its own right with the possibility of landlords achieving accredited status being an additional bonus. The Council was very happy to support them in development of their own scheme. The scheme allows training to be delivered across the south west providing a consistent model across LA boundaries.
What has been the impact?
320 landlords have successfully complete the full day training course, and 128 have gone to obtain accredited status.
The training and accreditation scheme is run by SWLA, and this has helped to secure a positive reaction from landlords. It is seen as a route for landlords to support each other and work together to improve their knowledge, skills and the image of the sector, rather than a council-led initiative.
Having a scheme across the south west means that landlords with properties across boundaries get a more unified approach, and an indicator of professionalism, that is recognised by more than one local authority.
Once accredited and members of an association, it is possible to stay in touch with landlords to make sure they are kept up to date with changes in legislation or further events in the area. They become part of a cohesive group and can feel proud that they do so.
Having attended the initial training course landlords are keen to attend further training on specific areas of good practice and legislation, this helps them to achieve the continuing professional development requirement of their accreditation.
The scheme has helped to develop good working relationships with SWLA and other local authorities in the area.
SWLA have invested a significant amount of time and effort to developing and administering this scheme. They do not aim to make a profit and have indeed subsidised some of the early courses. The council provides some financial support to help promote and facilitate the scheme and the training courses. The work that SWLA do here means that the council can concentrate on enforcement against poor landlords and properties.
Further information
Contact
Linda Johns,
Private Sector Housing Manager,
Plymouth City Council
[email protected]
SWLA: [email protected]