Property Accreditation Scheme

Private rented sector general information

What is it?

The Accredited Property Scheme is an initiative whereby The council recognises those properties in the private rented sector which are well maintained and well managed. Accredited properties comply with a range of standards covering such things as gas and electrical safety, general maintenance, fire precautions etc. A comprehensive list of the standards is enclosed in the information pack.

Why have accredited properties?

Accreditation recognises the higher standards achieved within private rented housing throughout the district. Prospective tenants can be confident that a property which has been awarded accredited status will provide decent, safe and secure accommodation. Landlords themselves can also be confident that their property is of an acceptable standard and that they are providing good quality housing for their tenants.

What are the benefits of the Scheme?

There will be substantial benefits for landlords whose properties are accredited. These include :-

• An improved image with potential lenders,
• A lower turnover of tenants, with associated cost savings,
• An advantage in attracting new tenants,
• Access to advice on all housing matters, including regularly updated fact sheets on, for example, housing benefit regulations,
• A decrease in the abuse of properties,
• Discount schemes with prefered local suppliers and insurance companies,
• Reduced likelihood of statutory action by the Council.
• The College of Law and   Chester University also identify accredited properties on their accommodation lists.

Do I have to join the Scheme?

No, the Scheme is entirely voluntary and it will be up to individual landlords to decide if they wish to apply to join. However, it is expected that most landlords who maintain their properties in good condition will wish to have that fact formally acknowledged.

How does the Scheme work?

When an application for accredited status has been received, the property will be inspected by an Environmental Health Officer. If the property meets the standards set, it will be awarded accredited status for a fixed period of 5 years. At the end of each year, the landlord will need to certify that the property still meets those standards and will also have to supply the Council with copies of annual gas safety cetificates, electrical safety certificates (every five years) plus any other relevant documentation i.e. fire alarm system servicing if appropriate. Self-certification of properties will be supplemented by spot checks on a percentage of properties each year. Should a complaint be received about an accredited property, there will be an automatic re-inspection. At the end of the accrediation period, the landlord will need to make a new application.

Will it cost me money?

In order to cover administrative costs, a fee of £49.35 inc. v.a.t. will be charged for each property. This is a one-off payment which will cover the full FIVE year period. This fee, however, will be waived if the property is a House in Multiple Occupation which has been licenced / registered by the council and meets all relevant standards.

How do I apply?

An information pack contains a checklist which covers the standards which the property will need to meet in order to attain accredited status. If the property complies with these standards, you should complete the application form enclosed. You should note that if, following inspection of your property, it is deemed not to meet the necessary standards, the application fee of £49.35 will not be refunded. You should therefore contact the Private Sector Housing team for advice before submitting your application if you are unsure about what is required.

Once you have completed the form, you should return it to the Private Sector Housing team, along with a cheque for £49.35 made payable to the council. If you wish to apply for accreditation for more than one property, you should complete a separate application form for each property - please contact the team for extra application forms.

What happens next?

Once we have received your form and fee, we will contact you to arrange an inspection of the property. If, following inspection, the property meets the necessary criteria, and the Council has been provided with all necessary documentation ( for example, current gas / electrical safety certificate) you will be advised in writing that the property has achieved accredited status. If the property has failed to meet the standards set, you will be informed, in writing, of the improvements which must be made if the property is to achieve accredited status. You will have a period of up to 3 months in which to carry out those improvements and request a re-inspection.

How will people know my property has been accredited?

Once accredited, details of your property will be included on a list which will be available to members of the public and to the Colleges in the area.You will also receive a certificate which can be shown to prospective tenants. The accredited property scheme is regularly advertised and promoted within the district and on a nationwide basis.

Private Rented Sector

Standards for Accreditation

The scheme represents an initiative from the City Council working in partnership with the Landlord's Forum and is designed to recognise good quality privately rented accommodation. Consultations have been carried out with Cheshire Fire Service, Cheshire Constabulary, University of Chester, College of Law Christleton, the Students Union, Chester Lodging and Support Project and other voluntary housing bodies.

The scheme is entirely voluntary. Accreditation lasts for 5 years.

The Accredited Property Scheme covers all types of private rented property from single houses, to flats, and all types of houses in multiple occupation, including student accommodation. The relevant standards are based primarily upon existing legislation plus facilities normally expected in modern properties and are therefore considered a satisfactory decent standard. Experience indicates that a substantial proportion of rented property will automatically comply with the standards. Comprehensive legislation exists to enable the City Council to deal with sub-standard property and will continue to be implemented when necessary to deal with unsatisfactory conditions. It is envisaged that this scheme will highlight those properties at the other end of the spectrum, ie of a satisfactory and decent standard which are well managed and maintained, recognising at the same time rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.

The Accommodation Officers of both the College of Law and the University of Chester promote accredited properties.

Aim of the scheme

The principle aim of the scheme is to encourage landlords throughout the district to maintain their properties in a safe and decent condition, in good repair, with a good standard of management.