Accreditation
- One Year On ~ The Achievement
- The Future
- The Funding
- The Scheme
- What does EMLAS achieve?
- How will prospective tenants know that my property is accredited?
- What do I need to do to become accredited?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I find out more?
- ANUK ~ Accreditation Network (UK)
- DASH staff appearing at 20 landlord forum events throughout the region
- Circulation of over 14,000 landlord scheme leaflets
- Development of a dedicated website - www.emlas.org.uk
- Poster campaign introduced in 100 Housing Option centres, Housing Association Offices and Local Authority Offices across the region
- Collation and distribution of over 1000 landlord information packs
- Local Media story circulated across regional press
- News articles in Local Authority internal newsletters
- Sheme advert in Landlord News, Buy to let and Landlord UK magazines
- Websites: news/updates and links from Local Autority websites and Greater Nottingham Electronic Landlord Forum
- Encouraging Partnership. Involving and information sharing with Local Authorities, existing accreditation schemes and universities across the East Midlands
- Promotion of good managment standards in private renting throughout the region.
- Defines the agreements and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant and ensures they are maintained by both parties.
- Encourages responsible tenant behaviour.
- Differentiates between good managment and poor management.
- Ensures accreditation and its benefits are widely recognised and understood by both landlords and tenants.
- Keeps landlords informed of changes in housing law, allowing them to be fully informed and meet any new requirements.
- Provides general help, advice and documentation to all accredited landlords to help them operate a profitable business in a highty regulated sector.
East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS)
One year on......
The achievement
The development of accreditation schemes has been uneven throughout the country and it is a matter of chance if a landlord is able to join a scheme operating in their area. The East Midlands is one of a few regions in the country where every landlord has access to an accreditation scheme .
In November 2008 the East Midlands Landlord Scheme was launched allowing landlords and agents to get the recognition they deserve for providing good skilled managment and quality properties. Our first year has concentrated on developing the network with landlords and local authorities.
The scheme now boasts over 600 members, representing more than 4500 privately rented properties across the region. The scheme has run 21 sessions of its popular landlord development day course, with 456 landlords being trained. The course covers the basics of tenancy, landlord responsibilities and rights, as well as an overview of the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
The Promotion
Throughout the year the DASH team have continued to proactively promote the benefits of the accreditation scheme to both landlords and the general public. The promotion and PR activity has included:
The Future
Due to the popularity of the scheme, a Project Officer will be appointed early in 2010 to oversee the scheme, carry out verification inspections and ensure administrative functions are carried out quickly and effectively. We believe that this added capacity will increase the popularity and the viability of the scheme even further.
We will be continuing our Landlord Development course and offering a further 15 sessions in the next financial year. Further development will be available for accredited landlords with new training courses as well as the development of a landlord roadshow which will be rolled out across the five counties.
Recruitment drives for non-accredited landlords will continue. We intend to promote EMLAS at various events and forums.
To provide assistance to LHAs and scheme operators in developing interactive and partnership schemes with landlords and tenants including the development of landlord and tenant consultation groups and landlord and tenant forums.
Funding
Due to continued funding from the Regional Housing Group, EMLAS will remain free at the point of delivery for local authorities until April 2011, and the free three year membership for landlords will be extended to the same date.
The Scheme
The East Midlands Landlord Accreditation scheme is a new region-wide accreditation scheme that encourages and rewards good property standards and management practice in the private rented sector.
Any residential landlord in the region can join the scheme and enjoy not only the market advantage, but also briefing sessions on new legislation, resource materials and guidance, professional development courses and inclusion on the EMLAS property database.
What does EMLAS achieve?
How will prospective tenants know that my property is accredited?
Using our distinctive logo above, we are able to market the scheme to new and existing tenants allowing them to identify responsible landlords. EMLAS provides landlords with information for tenants about the scheme and how it operates. EMLAS is also committed to a continuous programme of publicity to promote brand awareness amongst tenants.
What do I need to do to become accredited?
You must own at least one residential rented property in the East Midlands, and on application you must declare:
that you are a "fit and proper person" (in the same way as for HOM licenses).
your property address(es), and that they are in a good state of repair.
that you will comply with the EMLAS Code of Management Practice
Landlords are then invited to attend a one day training course covering property management based on the ANUK/IDeA landlord development manual and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
To promote both tenant and landlord confidence in the scheme, at least 10% of properties will be inspected for compliance with the current statutory minimum standards. This will be accompanied by a free Property Improvement Plan to help landlords bring their properties up to standard.
How much does it cost?
Membership is FREE if you apply before April 2011- which means there will be no administration fee, landlord charges or training costs. However, after this date the following charges will be applicable - administration fee of £25, training fee of £85 and in addition a fee is charged on the following scale for the properties owned or managed by a landlord or agent.
How do I find out more?
A landlord information leaflet and the scheme manual containing the Code of Management is available from EMLAS.
Visit: www.emlas.org.uk
e-mail : emlas@derby.gov.uk
tel: 01332 258418
DASH works closely with ANUK (Accreditation Network UK)
ANUK was formed in May 2002 to publicise, promote and share good practice in accreditation. This was in response to the increasing popularity of accreditation across the UK.
ANUK is managed by a steering group comprising representatives from local authorities, national and local landlord associations, the voluntary sector, the Chartered Institute of environmental Health, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the National Approved Letting Scheme. The work of representatives is voluntary.
ANUK is constantly developing new ways to create a prosperous, quality private rented sector.
Visit the ANUK website
Please see relevant downloads regarding Accreditation on the downloads page.