Landlord Accreditation Scheme

Landlord Accreditation Scheme

What is the Newcastle Housing Accreditation Scheme?

The Newcastle Housing Accreditation Scheme is a nationally recognised scheme that sets out standards relating to both the property and management skills of the landlord.

The scheme aims to;

• Provide private landlords with accredited properties a demonstrable recognition of their professionalism, 
• Provide private tenants with an at a glance guide to properties that are of a high standard and well managed.

Why should I become accredited?

As an Accredited landlord you will be recognised as having excellent standards and of managing properties that are safe, secure and a great place to live.

You will also receive a number of services and benefits to help you manage your business.

What do I need to do?

Accreditation looks at both the physical condition of a property and how well this property is managed. 

You will be asked to provide the relevant safety certificates and sign up to a code of practise.

We simply ask landlord ensure their Accredited properties are well managed and are in good conditions. 

You can view our standards here 

How do I join?

To join is as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1. Complete and return the Accreditation application form.

2. Provide a current, satisfactory gas safety certificate (CP12), a current valid energy performance certificate (EPC)  and a current, satisfactory electrical safety certificate (EICR).

3. We will get in touch and arrange a property visit.

  Accreditation scheme application

Do you have a property available to rent?

If you have a property ready to rent, you can get Accredited and advertise your property for free via the Private Rented Service.

You can find out more about our Tenant Finder Service here.

To get accredited and advertise your property simply fill out are easy access application form

Tenant Finder Service application form

FAQs

Is it a free scheme?

Yes, it is free to join the scheme.

Do I have to become Accredited?

No, not at all.  This voluntary scheme which recognizes landlords who offer safe, decent, well managed homes that help create settled communities.  We hope all landlords will recognise the benefits of being a recognised Accredited landlord but you do not have to become Accredited if you don’t want to.

Do I have to get all of my properties Accredited?

No.  you can choose to have any numbers of properties Accredited. 

What types of properties can be Accredited?

Whether you rent out one home or manage multiple properties sign up to our free Accreditation Scheme and demonstrate your commitment to being a good landlord, as long as those properties are in Newcastle.

What do I get out of it?

In addition to the recognised status and market edge that comes with accreditation, you offers several benefits for both landlords and tenants in the private rented sector. Some of the key advantages include:

• A discount of £100 off your property licensing fee if the licensable property is accredited. 
• Supplementary Parking Scratch cards - the first book of 10 full day permits is issued free of charge for qualifying landlords. Supplementary Parking Scratch cards for Landlords | Newcastle City Council
• A discount against the £300 Annual Landlord Parking Permit is offered for qualifying landlords.  Landlord Parking Permits | Newcastle City Council 
• Free training, workshops, and educational materials on topics such as landlord responsibilities, tenancy management, and legal requirements.
• Early bird access to the Annual Landlord Conference. 
• A sticker to place in the window of the property. You will also be placed on the Councils accreditation website. 
• Free recycling bag
• Property advertising via Newcastle Private Rented Service
• Support and advice on managing your property. 
• Access to an online library for useful documents such as tenancy agreements and notices.
• A dedicated telephone line for enquiries of landlords with accredited properties. 
• The scheme offers an opportunity for landlords to demonstrate their professionalism, and commitment to maintaining high standards and providing quality rental properties. This can enhance your reputation among tenants.
• Accredited landlords may have a competitive advantage in the rental market, as tenants often prefer to rent from landlords who have met specific standards and best practices.

I’m a managing agent - can I get accredited to?

Yes, you will follow the same process as an individual landlord and get one or all of the properties you manage in your portfolio accredited. 

What else do I need to know about the Accreditation scheme?

• Accreditation status lasts for 5 years. 

• Accredited properties will be listed on the PRS website (with permission from owner).

• Accreditation for a particular property is only valid for the landlord or agent making the application and cannot be transferred in the case of the property changing ownership or management arrangements.

• Landlords will be eligible for any scheme benefits while their property remains on the Scheme.

• A landlord may remove a property from the scheme by making a written request to the Council.

• Any complaints about the condition of a property on the scheme will result in an inspection. 

• Failure to comply with the standards and requirements will result in the property being removed from the scheme. 

• Should you be removed from the scheme before the end of the 5 years, you will be required to repay any associated licence fee discounts you have received.

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