Landlord Accreditation
The East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS) is a new region-wide scheme which encourages and rewards good property standards and good management practices in the pricate rented sector. p>
So what do I have to do to become accredited?
Unlike many smaller, local accreditation schemes, the East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS) accredits landlords rather than properties. This enables a landlord to advertise themselves as being a competent person, reassuring potential tenants that they are not one of the minority of rogue landlords that operate within the private rented sector, and they are professional in the way that they conduct business.
A landlord who wishes to become accredited must offer at least one residential property for rental in the East Midlands. The landlord does not have to be based in the East Midlands region however. The first stage of the application process is the completion of the online application form. The application form asks landlords to certify that they are a fit and proper person and to declare all of the residential properties that they offer for rental in the East Midlands.
The application form also requires the landlord to sign a declaration that they will abide by the Code of Management. The Code outlines the standards of property management set out by the scheme.
EMLAS accredits the landlord’s ability to manage a property, rather than the property itself. We therefore require each landlord to attend a professional development course prior to being awarded full accreditation status.
Professional Development
The development course is based on the industry standard landlord development manual written by the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) in conjunction with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA). The course covers legal standards for property management, setting up and ending a tenancy as well as the legal rights of both landlords and tenants. Lunch, delegate packs and a copy of the Landlord Development Manual will be provided on the day.
A half day is also spent on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and identification of the most common hazards. This course gives landlords the necessary knowledge to certify that their properties meet the minimum legal standards.
Accredited landlords are also required to participate in a minimum of 10 hours continual professional development per year. EMLAS will be running courses to enable landlords to fulfil this requirement, but this can also be met through attendance at other landlord forums and meetings. Accreditation lasts for three years and EMLAS will write to inform landlords when their membership of the scheme is about to expire.
Scheme Credibility
In order to give the scheme credibility, a 10% sample of properties will be inspected by EMLAS to ensure compliance with minimum legal standards. These are the only property standards required by the scheme. Further properties within a portfolio may be inspected over the course of the period that the landlord remains accredited. Tenants may also be sampled to ensure landlords comply with the Code of Management.
Once a landlord has completed the application form and attended the necessary courses, EMLAS will issue a membership card, a landlord accreditation pack and a certificate to confirm their accredited status.
EMLAS also provides landlords with current and relevant information regarding developments in the private rented sector. Accredited landlords will be kept up to date with legislative changes and will have the benefit of standardised forms as well as access to help and advice. Local authorities may also offer local benefits to member landlords, such as dedicated help desks or reduced civic amenity fees.
Benefits to Landlords
The main benefit of accreditation is market advantage. An accredited landlord is able to advertise as being competent and professional, making their properties more attractive to potential tenants. We believe that landlords should enjoy other benefits however, and with this in mind, we have worked with several leading companies to provide tangible financial savings to accredited landlords.
If you have any further queries about what is required to become an accredited landlord, please contact us.