Frequently Asked Questions
- What is EMLAS?
- What areas does the scheme cover?
- What is required to become an accredited landlord?
- What is a 'fit and proper' person?
- How much does it cost to become an accredited landlord?
- How long does accreditation last?
- How does the EMLAS scheme ensure Landlords meet the standard required?
- What happens if my property fails an inspection?
- What is a PIP?
- Can I appeal against a decision on my property?
- Some of my properties are outside the East Midlands, can I promote my membership outside the region?
- How will EMLAS benefit me?
- I would like assurance that tenants will look after my property. How will you achieve this?
- What do I get when I become a member?
- How do I apply?
- I have a question that isn’t listed here. How do I contact you?
What is EMLAS?
The East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS) is a regional scheme designed to reward good landlords and to help them differentiate themselves from less reputable landlords in the property market place. EMLAS accredits the landlord, not the property, therefore identifying them as being competent and professional.
As an organisation EMLAS supports landlords with information and guidance on changes in legislation as well as sharing best practice. EMLAS is recognised by our distinctive logo (picture), which members are able to use as a badge to demonstrate their professionalism and gain market advantage.
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What areas does the scheme cover?
EMLAS covers the whole of the East Midlands region. Broadly speaking, this includes the five counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire as well as Rutland. If you let residential property in any of these areas you are eligible to join the scheme, whether or not you are based in the East Midlands yourself.
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What is required to become an accredited landlord?
In order to become an accredited landlord you are required to:
- Sign a declaration that you are a 'fit and proper' person
- List the addresses of the properties in your portfolio
- Agree to the Code of Management set out by the scheme
- Attend a professional development course or otherwise demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge to manage a property in accordance with the standards set out by the scheme
- Complete 10 hours of Continual Professional Development per year.
A successful application is one where the property and its management are believed to be in full compliance with the standards of the scheme. Following a successful application a landlord is awarded the status of Regional Accredited Landlord (RAL). Landlords may be removed from the scheme is they fail to meet the requirements.
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What is a 'fit and proper' person?
A fit and proper person is someone who can be reasonably assumed to be a good landlord. To self certify that you are 'fit and proper' the following should be declared;
- whether you have committed fraud, dishonesty, violent or drug related offences
- evidence of discrimination in any business activity
- whether you have broken any other laws in relation to housing
A criminal conviction does not necessarily mean that you would not be a 'fit and proper' person. However, you would not be classed as 'fit and proper' if you withhold relevant information. Every case is examined individually and all circumstances are taken into account when making a decision. For example, we would consider:
- what the conviction was for
- how long ago it was
- whether or not it will affect your ability to be a good landlord
- the risk of recurrence and whether such recurrence would affect the individuals ability to be a competent landlord.
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How much does it cost to become an accredited landlord?
Accreditation with EMLAS lasts for three years. From April 2012 there will be a one-off fee for landlords registering to become a member and working towards their accreditation with the scheme. The fee will cover all costs for administration, training and property visits. Charges are based on the size of the landlords portfolio and are as follows:
Properties |
Fee |
1-19 |
£99 |
20-49 |
£129 |
50+ |
£199 |
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How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation lasts for three years. We will contact you when your accreditation is due to expire and advise you of the procedure for renewing. This will involve a re-declaration and a renewal of the accreditation fee.
From September 2012 the charge for renewing your membership for another 3-years with EMLAS will be £45
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How does the EMLAS scheme ensure Landlords meet the standard required?
EMLAS will carryout a 10% sample inspection rate across the East Midlands to ensure that a Landlords property meets the standard set down in the Code of Management. You will be informed in advance of the date of inspection and must ensure that the tenants have 24-hours notice of the visit that the EMLAS inspector will have access to the property. EMLAS will also verify with Local Authorities that you are a reputable landlord who does not have a history of enforcement issues.
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What happens if my property fails an inspection?
If the property does not meet the legal minimum standard EMLAS will do one of two things. They will either issue a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) detailing minor works required to be completed within six months, or if there is major work required, you will not be eligible to join the scheme at this time, and will be advised what to do in order to meet the legal minimum standard.
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What is a PIP?
A PIP is a Property Improvement Plan which may be issued to a landlord following a property inspection if there are minor works required.
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Can I appeal against a decision on my property?
Yes. Landlords have the right to appeal to the Review Panel to sort out any complaints or appeal against a decision regarding standards or improvement plans for their property. If a landlord considers a decision by the Review Panel to be incorrect, they have the right to take it forward with the Regional Steering Group.
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Some of my properties fall outside the East Midlands boundary, can I still promote my membership of the scheme outside the region?
Yes. There is no reason why you cannot use the EMLAS logo outside the region, as long as you have declared the property to us. However, our remit extends only to the East Midlands region, so tenants from outside the East Midlands may not be as aware of EMLAS as those based within the region.
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How will EMLAS benefit me?
Recognition: Being an EMLAS Accredited Landlord will set you apart from the rest. The scheme will provide public recognition that you are a reputable landlord who not only maintains property standards, but who also treats tenants fairly and manages the property well.
Market Advantage: The EMLAS marketing campaign will ensure that accreditation is understood and widely recognised by current and future tenants. The EMLAS website also contains a property database allowing tenants to search for Accredited Landlords and the properties they let.
Branding: You will be able to use the EMLAS logo in adverts and letterheads to promote yourself giving you an edge above the rest.
Information: As an accredited landlord you will have access to training and best practice guidance. Landlords can take advantage of our guidance materials and events to enable them to understand fully property management and how to deal with tenancies in an ever changing environment.
Supplier Benefits: As an accredited landlord you will have access to a range of specially discounted services which have been negotiated for you by EMLAS. See our up to date list of rewards.
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As an accredited landlord, I would like some assurance that potential tenants will look after my property. How will you achieve this?
We are currently developing a Tenants Accreditation Scheme. We believe that a good landlord deserves a good tenant and vice versa.
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What do I get when I become a member?
On successful application we will provide you with:
- A membership information pack
- You membership card with membership number
- Your accreditation certificate
- The scheme logo design and standards
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How do I apply?
You can apply online to become an EMLAS Accredited Landlord.
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I have a question that isn’t listed here. How do I contact you?
See our contact us page
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