NLA makes it easier for tenants to check landlords

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has today (16 April 2015) launched its initiative to enable tenants to check if their landlord is accredited; the National Register of Accredited Landlords.

The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer, Richard Lambert who was speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual South West Conference.

The Register, which provides a quick and simple look up for tenants to check whether their landlord is accredited, is open to every accredited landlord and accreditation scheme.

It aims to raise the profile of accreditation and highlight those who are committed to best practice, and it launches in the same week that the Labour Party announced its intention to register all landlords across England if elected in May, regardless of their accreditation status.

Landlord accreditation is a way of improving standards and practice in the private rented sector through education and professional development. The NLA currently works with over 65 local councils and 5 universities across England as their accreditation partner, and the NLA scheme is recognised by another 50 local authorities.  The NLA is also an accreditation partner for the London Rental Standard, working closely with the Mayor’s Office on establishing the initiative last year.

The Register supports the NLA’s 2020 Vision to persuade all its members to become accredited by the end of the decade.

Mr Lambert said:

“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.

“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.

“However, too often the landlord community is unfairly tarred with the brush of illegality or incompetence shown by just a minority of the industry, which isn’t an accurate picture of private renting.

“We 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.”

The NLA has written to all the existing accreditation schemes and providers, calling on them to support the Register by agreeing to verify those landlords who register as members of their schemes.

The Register can be found at www.checkmylandlord.org.uk

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