Housing

A partner of the North Staffs Landlord Accreditation Scheme

The North Staffs Landlord Accreditation scheme has been developed as a partnership between Newcastle Borough Council, Stoke City Council, Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.   The scheme now covers the whole of North Staffordshire.  The scheme also works in partnership with the North Staffordshire Landlords Association.

Aim of the scheme

The aim of the scheme is to improve both the physical and management standards of the private rented sector throughout North Staffordshire.  This will be accomplished not only through the provision of encouragement, support and incentives but also by actively working with and publicly recognising those landlords who are willing to attain and adhere to good quality standards.

Who can apply?

Membership of the scheme is open to any individual, letting agent or company owning or managing residential property within the boundaries of North Staffordshire, whether they be locally based or not

Rules of membership

Whilst membership of the scheme is voluntary, there are however certain basic criteria which must be met to ensure the professional credibility of the initiative and to provide some security to those taking part.  The scheme requires that;

• The condition of the property and the level of provision of basic facilities and amenities are reasonable and satisfactory
• The Landlord ensures the property is safe, secure and able to be maintained hygienically
• The Landlord follows the agreed management practices

Benefits of becoming a member

• Recognition that you are a good landlord providing a high standard of accommodation.
• Early notification and prioritisation for accredited landlord grants  
• Co-operation, support and advice from the Scheme Operators on all aspects of private renting.
• Advertisement and promotion of your properties as meeting the North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme standard.
• Provision of a membership card to prove accreditation status and scheme logo stickers to use on your business stationery highlighting your membership
• Access to independent mediation services
• Improved access to local authority departments
• Access to discounts from local companies
• Access to the Newcastle Deposit Guarantee scheme 

Benefits for tenants include

• Greater information about the properties available for renting
• Identification of good quality accommodation
• Assurance that an agreed code of management will be followed
• Confidence that your Landlord is professional and reputable
• A list of registered members
• Support and advice from the scheme operators on all aspects of private renting

How do I apply?

You will need to complete an Application Form together with a copy of any relevant Gas Safety Certificates.  These forms can be obtained by telephoning Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council on 01782 742543 or Stoke City Council on 01782 232271, you can also email accreditation@stoke.gov.uk  

For further information

Should you wish to discuss any matter relating to the Scheme, or any issues relating to privately renting, please contact Maureen Fraser who is the Councils's Housing Standards Officer on 01782 742527.  Alternatively you can visit the North Staffs Landlord Accreditation web site at www.landlordaccreditation.co.uk .

• North Staffs Landlord Accreditation Scheme
• North Staffordshire Landlords Association
• National Federation of Residential Landlords
• Accreditation Network UK
• Assured & assured shorthold tenancies - a guide for tenants
• Assured & assured shorthold tenancies - a guide for landlords
• A guide to Landlord's duties: Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regs 1998
• Safety of electrical equipment in furnished accommodation