Standards required

In order for your property to be given accredited status, you will need to show that certain standards have been met. The following list gives the criteria on which the property will be assessed,

a) Gas Safety
b) Electrical Safety
c) Fire Safety
d) Furniture Safety (if let furnished)
e) Suitability for habitation
f) Repair
g) Management
h) Thermal comfort
i) Security
j) HMO Licensing (if appropriate)

Gas Safety

Owners of rented property are required to have all gas appliances checked by a CORGI registered person for safety at least once per year and provide a copy of the safety certificate for tenants. Servicing of appliances is a separate activity from that of a safety check. Servicing should also be carried out annually.

Carbon monoxide (CO) sensor alarms located close by all gas appliances would be desirable.

Electrical Safety

The electrical installation including wiring, switches and sockets must be in a safe condition and inspected by a competent electrician, preferably NICEIC approved. Any report should recommend how often the installation should be re-inspected. In the event of defects/danger signs, an electrician must be called immediately. As a minimum, a periodic electrical examination by an NICEIC / ECA approved electrician should be carried out every 5 years.

Fire Precautions

Fire alarm detection systems should be provided in all rented accommodation. However, the standard for multi-let properties, because of the higher risk, requires the provision of a satisfactory fire alarm installation and a protected escape route for tenants. Such properties require an L2 type or mains interlinked fire alarm system. Other fire precautions include fire extinguishers and blankets, fire doors and notices outlining the procedures to be followed. Fire precautions must be well maintained and alarm systems tested regularly.

(If you are unsure whether your property will comply, or if you need advice, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team, before you complete the application form.)

Furniture Safety

All furniture provided in furnished lettings must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended) which covers beds, mattresses, lounge suites, cushions, pillows etc., and be labelled accordingly if possible.  Responsibility for compliance rests with the person letting the property. Specific details of the standards can be obtained from Local Trading Standards Departments.

Suitability for Occupation

Properties must be suitable for occupation at the beginning of any tenancy and be maintained in that condition for the duration of the tenancy. In simple terms, this means compliance with all the provisions of the Housing Act 2004. The former "fitness standard" has been replaced by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and is the Government's new approach to the evaluation of potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies or defects identified in dwellings. The rating system is concerned with the assessment of hazards, i.e. the potential effect of conditions and is applicable to the whole property and the area within its boundaries. The property should be stable, in good repair , dry and have satisfactory lighting, heating and ventilation, satisfactory facilities amenities, drainage and fire precautions if relevant.

Repair

Owners of rented property are required to maintain the properties in satisfactory repair at all times. It is also essential to have recognised procedures in place for reporting and dealing with emergency repairs.

Management

The property must be well managed. In the case of Houses in Multiple Occupation this must extend to all communal areas and shared facilities, ensuring good maintenance and cleanliness.

Management responsibility also extends to decorations - both internal and external, gardens, refuse storage and boundaries.

The property must not be overcrowded or must not be intended for letting in such a manner that it would result in overcrowding. ie. The size of the room must also be suitable for the number and age of the occupants. Rooms under 70 sq. ft (6.5m²) are generally not habitable. There must be a sufficient number of bedrooms to avoid the need for people of opposite sex, over the age of ten, sleeping in the same room UNLESS living together as husband and wife.

Room Sizes

Specific details on the space standards are available from the private sector housing team, but the following conditions apply:

a) Rooms of less than 50 sq ft (4.5 m²)shall not be regarded as habitable.

b) Rooms between 50 and 70 sq ft (4.5 m² - 6.5 m²) shall not be used for sleeping by anybody aged 10 or over.

c) Rooms between 70 and 90 sq ft (6.5 m² - 8.4 m² )shall not be used for sleeping by more than 1 adult (or 2 children) -(a child is defined as someone under the age of 10).

d)      Rooms between 90 and 110sq ft (8.4 m² 10.2 m²)shall not be used for sleeping by more than 1 adult and 1 child, OR 3 children.

e)Rooms greater than 110 sq ft (10.2 m² ) should not be used for sleeping by more than 2 adults, 1 adult and 2 children OR 4 children.

Thermal comfort 

Accredited properties should have whole house heating (not necessarily central heating).

All loft spaces should have a minimum of 200mm insulation.

Cavity walls should have cavity wall insulation.

When major repair schemes are undertaken in the future landlords should be prepared to consider the cladding and insulation of solid walls and the insulation of floors.

Properties should be free from serious condensation.

Security

Security of the property is important for both Landlords and Tenants. Accredited properties should employ best practice measures in terms of locks, alarms and external lighting. Any security devices must not impact upon the means of escape in the event of a fire.

HMO Licensing

Properties meeting the criteria for licensing by The council  should be licenced (Fees for accreditation are waived when an HMO is licenced)