Landlords across South Essex are being urged to sign up to a scheme which will bring huge peace of mind to housing tenants.

Thames Gateway South Essex Landlord Accreditation Scheme was launched on Monday 6th September at the Freight House in Rochford. Please contact Stuart Burrell at Southend Council on 01702 215815 if you wish to attend

Tenants planning to rent from accredited landlords can do so in the knowledge that their properties meet the most rigorous standards of safety and fuel efficiency.

The scheme was drawn up by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in conjunction with four neighbouring local authorities – Rochford, Thurrock, Basildon and Castle Point.

It will link directly to the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme which has a membership of over 30 London local authorities and several thousand landlord members.

Accredited landlords will have to attain a set of standards relating to the management and physical condition of  accommodation they rent out privately.

The scheme is voluntary and there is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there are a number of potential advantages to becoming accredited.

The Thames Gateway South Essex scheme was developed to promote energy efficiency and to link in with fuel poverty and housing strategies generally.

It offers landlords the opportunity to accredit their individual properties progressively to either a Bronze, Silver or Gold star rating.

Ratings will be based on general amenity provision, annual gas safety records, the type of heating provision, level of insulation and draughtproofing.

The benefits of accreditation include a one-day training course covering subjects including pretenancy, responsibilities and liabilities and how to start and end tenancies.

Landlords who complete the course, which costs approximately £80, will receive a comprehensive CD guide and direct access to a dedicated accreditation website.

They will also receive regular newsletters, access to information, leaflets, advice and support and an £80 licence fee discount.

Anna Waite, Executive Councillor for Adult & Community Services, said: “Most local authorities are working with landlords and letting agents to drive up standards in the private rented sector.

“However, there will always be a percentage of properties which are badly managed and in poor disrepair for which enforcement action needs to be taken.

“Landlord accreditation schemes seek to recognise and reward those landlords who manage well and achieve a good standard of repair.”

Cllr Waite will be announcing further details of the scheme when she addresses a special Landlords Forum which is being held in Southend on Wednesday 29th September.

For more information visit the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme website at www.londonlandlords.org.uk

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Council Tax Collection, Benefits and Strategic Housing Functions, Councillor Tracy Capon said: “Rochford District Council is always looking for new ways to make a difference to our community and that’s why we are looking forward to working with our local authority partners across South Essex with the Landlords Accreditation scheme.

“By working in partnership we wish to ensure that, wherever tenants live, the properties they are renting are maintained to a good standard whilst also recognising landlords who maintain their properties to high standards.”

Councillor Frank Tomlin, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for Housing, said: “I am delighted that through partnership working, landlords in Basildon are set to benefit by being part of this successful accreditation scheme.
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“As well as landlords having access to some valuable resources, the scheme will help to improve standards across the District. This helps Basildon’s landlords and tenants who can take advantage of the option to make informed choices about where they want to live.”

Councillor Mrs Wendy Goodwin, Portfolio holder for Housing at Castle Point Borough Council said: “I am very pleased to be part of this scheme to recognise good landlords and agents who have the skills needed to run a successful rental business and provide good quality and safe rental accommodation within the borough.”

Councillor Andy Smith, portfolio holder for Housing for Thurrock Council said: “This initiative will recognise good practice and should give tenants the confidence that their landlord has the necessary management skills. It is hoped our local landlords join and gain the market advantage they deserve.”