Landlord Accreditation Scheme

Private landlords play an essential role in the provision of accommodation within the City of Stoke-on-Trent. It is important to acknowledge the commitment that many private landlords make in providing and maintaining properties to a high standard, often above the standard required by law. It is important to recognise these landlords and encourage and support others to achieve this higher standard.

This was the main reason for introducing the Stoke-on-Trent Landlord Accreditation Scheme, which was launched on 24th October 2003.  In October 2005 it was expanded into the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford local authority areas and is now known as the North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).

The Scheme is run as a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stafford borough Council and the North Staffordshire Landlord Association ('Scheme Operators').

What are the aims of the Scheme?

• To create and maintain a stock of privately rented accommodation to an accredited standard which is better than the minimum legal standard.
• To give public recognition to those landlords who provide housing that meets or exceeds the accredited standard.
• To give prospective tenants the choice of renting high standard accredited accommodation.
• To introduce a Scheme which not only covers the physical conditions of properties, but also good management practices.

The Scheme requires that the physical condition of properties, basic amenities and management practices are fair and reasonable and will not be prejudicial to the health, safety or welfare of tenants or the surrounding neighbourhood.  This ensures that landlords, tenants and the local community will benefit from good housing conditions, competent management and considerate neighbourly behaviour.  It will also help to make sure that misunderstandings and disputes are minimised and if these do occur, are rapidly resolved.  Participants of the Scheme must ensure compliance with legal obligations as well as the requirements of the Scheme itself.

Who can join?

This is a voluntary scheme available to any private landlord who owns and rents out properties in one of the 3 participating local authority areas: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stafford Borough Council.  It does not include Council owned properties or those owned by Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations).
 
What are the benefits of becoming a member?

• Recognition that you are a good landlord providing a high standard of accommodation.
• Early notification and prioritisation for landlord grants.
• Free advertisement and promotion of your vacant properties on the Schemes website.
• Discounted Landlord training events.
• Access to discounts from local participating companies.
• Access to independent mediation services.
• Improved access to other local authority departments and services, for instance, Housing Benefits.
• Co-operation, support and advice from the Scheme Operators on all aspects of private renting.
• Provision of a membership card to prove accreditation status and scheme logo stickers to use on your business stationery.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete an Application Form and a Property Register submitted together with a copy of any relevant Gas Safety Certificates.  These forms can be obtained by telephoning us at the numbers below or by visiting the scheme web site.

Contact Details

The Scheme is centrally administered by members of the Housing Standards Team at Stoke-on-Trent City Council who may be contacted at:

Tel: 01782 232271 or 232087 Fax: 01782 232217 email: mail@landlordaccreditation.co.uk 
 
Housing Standards Team
Community and Adult Services Department
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
PO Box 634
Civic Centre
Glebe Street
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 1RJ
 
Opening Times: 
Monday 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

For further information about the Scheme, please go to the Scheme's website at www.landlordaccreditation.co.uk