Property Accreditation Scheme
The Accreditation scheme is Bath & North East Somerset
Council’s seal of approval for properties that meet current housing
standards and which are safe for people to live in. Prior to
accrediting a property we look to see that the property is fit for
human habitation, has safe gas and electrical installations, has
adequate fire precautions, has adequate amenities for the number of
people living there and finally, that it is well managed.
Landlords and Tenants
Accreditation is a voluntary scheme for landlords, which seeks
to encourage the upgrade of rented properties, including houses in
multiple occupation (HMOs). It ensures that these properties comply
with the various requirements of the Housing Act 2004.
Discounted insurance premiums, access to a contractor list and
small grants are all benefits to this highly successful scheme.
Houses in Multiple Occupation - A Guide to Standards
Contact Housing Services on 01225 396110 or email Housing_Regeneration@bathnes.gov.uk
for further information or a copy of the Guide to
Standards.
Why did Bath & North East
Somerset Council set up the Accreditation Scheme?
The scheme was initiated as a means of assisting landlords in
their efforts to provide accommodation that was both satisfactory
and compliant with statutory legislation, including the Housing
Act 2004 and Management Regulations.
The scheme offers small scale, but easily accessible, grant
assistance to owners of accredited properties, or those wishing to
accredit. Grants are to aid the installation of certain fire safety
precautions and/or home security.
Contact Linda M Stickings on 01225 396287 for information.
Additionally, landlords are offered access to insurance packages
designed for Accredited accommodation and a list of local building
contractors.
Properties are usually Accredited by landlord request or
Accreditation can follow on from previously completed enforcement
action where all works that would have been needed to Accredit the
property have been completed.
Property Accreditation has been welcomed by the local
universities, who have not only undertaken the Accreditation of
their own campus accommodation, but also prioritise Accredited
properties on their accommodation lists. Further support comes from
the local Landlord Association.
