Private landlords
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.
Landlord Accreditation
Scheme Code of Standards (127kb pdf file)
Landlord Accreditation
Scheme application form (94kb pdf file)
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
The Council, working in partnership with Oldham
Council, currently offers various incentives and support for
Accredited Landlords which includes:
- Free landlord information pack.
- Free landlords gas safety certificates.
- Free loft insulation 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 burglar alarms, security lights, smoke
detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
- Free Tenancy referencing.
- Assistance to carry out property improvements (see below).
- 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.
- Regular Landlord Accreditation newsletters.
New incentives for 2008/2009
- Free Energy Performance Certificates.
- Free NLA membership for 12 months.
- Free list of Accreditated Letting Agents for
landlords looking to use Managing Agents.
These incentives are available to landlords who apply to
become accredited and are available on a limited basis and rationed
accordingly in order that as many landlords as possible
benefit from the scheme.
Small Works Grant - assistance of up to £500
Small Works Grants are a discretionary form of grant assistance
available to landlords that have applied for accreditation through
Rochdale Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
The grant is available for landlords where essential qualifying
works are required to bring the property up to the Decent Homes
Standard of Accreditation. The property must already meet the
basic accreditation standard. The works must
be completed through the Rochdale MBC Approved Contractors
List and the grant is paid directly to the contractor and is not
available as a cash payment.
Qualifying criteria for small works grants:
The property must be inspected in accordance with the relevant
legislation employed by Rochdale LAS (HHSRS) and will be
prioritised on the following criteria:
- The tenant is over 60
- The tenant is in receipt of any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Council tax benefit
- Disabled Persons Tax Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include
constant Attendance Allowance)
- War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility
supplement or constant Attendance Allowance)
- Working Tax credit with an income of less than £15,460
- Child Tax credit with an income of less than £15,460
- Pension Credit
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- The property is within a designated Housing Market Renewal
Area
- Your property is empty but the intention is to let within the
Private Rented Sector within the next 6 months.
- Other Private Rented Sector properties.