Landlord Accreditation Scheme
Rochdale Borough Council has developed the Landlord
Accreditation Scheme to provide private landlords with a number of
services and a general support network. It serves to benefit both
landlord and tenant by improving and promoting good quality,
properly managed accommodation to let thereby making this a
more viable housing option. The scheme operates boroughwide.
The aim of the scheme is to:
- Provide good quality private rented housing for tenants.
- Assist landlords by improving their access to information and
resources.
- Reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and harassment.
- Reduce the numbers of empty unused properties in Rochdale.
Landlords eligible to join the scheme
To be eligible to join the scheme, landlords must meet the code
of standards for private rented housing as well as own or manage
their properties in the borough of Rochdale.
Joining the scheme and benefits
Joining the scheme is FREE and voluntary.
Please note that in 2011/12 there are a number of changes to the
accreditation scheme, allowing for a uniform approach to
Landlord Accreditation for all Local Authority schemes across
Greater Manchester. These changes include:
- Landlord must list all properties owned or managed.
- Rochdale LAS will complete a minimum of 10% property
inspection.
- A periodic electrical certificate should be provided on each
property within the first 5 years of applying for
accreditation.
- A current and valid Gas Safety Certificate should be provided
with each application.
- A current and valid Energy Performance certificate, for each
property managed, which has been re-let since April 2008 should be
provided.
- Landlords must complete 10 hours of training within each period
of accreditation.
A sample of the properties submitted for accreditation would be
inspected with the landlord becoming accredited rather than the
property.
Benefits
- Free landlords gas safety certificates.
- Free loft and cavity wall insulation.
- Free advertising in both the council's
property shop and on Rochdale's Home Choice website which can be
accessed by prospective tenants.
- Free regular landlord events including forums
and training on issues that affect landlords for example: property
tax, Housing Benefit and many more.
- Free Tenancy referencing.
- Approved list of contractors.
- Housing Benefit Service Level Agreement to provide clarity on
the creation, processing and maintenance of Housing Benefit
claims.
- Improved communication with council officers.
- Advice, information and support on anti-social behaviour and
other tenancy issues.
- Landlords can display the Accreditation logo in their property
and on correspondence as a hallmark to indicate good practice.
- Free Energy Performance Certificates.
Please note: All incentives are offered after completion
of a property inspection with incentives linked to the result of
the inspection .