- Home
- Information for Landlords
- Information for Tenants
- Empty Properties
- Empty Land
- West of England Partnership site
- West of England staff pages
- Other Agencies & Partners
- Site Map
Accreditation schemes
The Accreditation scheme is a voluntary free scheme for private landlords, which recognises good quality, well managed, private rented accommodation.
Each of the four authorities in the West of England runs and Accreditation scheme, and the entry requirements for all the schemes are the same:
- Landlord / managing agent must sign up to the Code of Good Management Practice
- Property meets Decent Homes Standard [see Decent Homes Standard]
- Property meets any legal requirements that apply e.g. free from major hazards under the Housing Health & Safety Ratings System [see Housing Health & Safety Rating System], complies with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 [see The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005].
- If the property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), it must comply with relevant standards [see Definition of an HMO]
- Property meets specified Accreditation standards for Fire Safety, Energy Efficiency and Security.
At the time of going to print these standards were not available. The full standards and details of how to apply can be obtained from your local authority private housing team [see Useful Contacts for Landlords] they will also be available from this site.
Each authority runs the scheme in a different way, some will inspect all properties, and some operate a self-certification system and periodically spot-check a selected sample.
The advantages of joining the Accreditation scheme in your area could include:
- access to financial incentives from the local authority
- discounts on insurance
- reassurance of knowing your property meets a superior standard.
Your property will also be more attractive to potential tenants. In addition Universities in some authorities will only advertise Accredited properties on their Accommodation websites.
Web Designer