This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
The National Landlords Association has moved to launch a fresh initiative, which will allow tenants to check if their landlord is formally accredited.
Newly founded feature, the National Register of Accredited Landlords, or simply, ‘The Register’ will provide a quick and easy service for tenants to check the accreditation status of their landlord. The Register is available for every accredited landlord and accreditation scheme.
Standards
Aiming to raise the profile of accreditation and commend those who perform practice, The Register looks to improve standards in the sector through education and development.
At present, the NLA works with in excess of 65 local councils and 5 universities in England, with the scheme being recognised another 50 local authorities. The Register supports the NLA’s wish that all members are to become accredited by the end of the 2020.
‘Accreditation is a badge of knowledge and competence that landlords should shout about. We should be encouraging tenants to check their prospective landlord and find out whether they have reached accredited status,’ said Richard Lambert, Chief Executive of the NLA. He went on to say, ‘there’s more pressure on improving standards in the private rented sector than ever before and we’re trying to lead the way for landlords to become accredited which is a huge challenge because currently there’s no fundamental need to do so.’[1]
NLA provides new accreditation scheme
‘Unfairly tarred’
Mr Lambert also believes that, ‘too often the landlord community is unfairly tarred with the brush of legality or incompetence shown by just a minority of the industry, which isn’t an accurate picture of private renting.’ He said that the NLA, ‘want accredited landlords to put their details on our new Register so they can set themselves apart and for tenants to have a quick and easy look-up for peace of mind that they can rely on their landlord.’[1]
The National Landlords Association has already written to existing accreditation schemes, asking for them to support The Register by saying that they will verify landlords who register as members of their schemes.
[1] Landlord & Buy-to-let ,’Association makes it easier for tenants to check landlords
